The Boston Crimson Sox have made important modifications this offseason, however they nonetheless have key choices to finalize in the event that they need to maximize their 2025 roster. With third base, first base, and the lineup’s steadiness in focus, listed below are three strikes the Crimson Sox should make earlier than Opening Day.
The Crimson Sox must acknowledge the inevitable: Rafael Devers’ long-term future isn’t at third base. Whereas Devers has been a staple on the sizzling nook, his protection has remained under common, and his bat can be simply as priceless at first base. As a substitute of forcing Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman to shift to second base, Boston ought to transfer Devers throughout the diamond and let Bregman take over at third.
Devers has pushed again towards the thought, insisting, “I believe it’s Raffy Devers’ place. I believe he’s the third baseman” (through MassLive). Nevertheless, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan famous, a transfer off third base is inevitable: “He’s going to maneuver off third base. I don’t know if it’s going to be on Opening Day this yr or in June, however it’ll occur.”
This alteration would improve the group’s infield protection, particularly with Trevor Story set to return at shortstop, and permit Bregman to play his pure place. Devers, in the meantime, may prolong his profession by avoiding the defensive struggles which have plagued him.
Commerce Triston Casas for a prospect haul from the Mariners
If Devers strikes to first base, Triston Casas turns into the odd man out. Whereas Casas has been considered one of Boston’s most promising younger hitters, accidents and inconsistency have raised issues about his long-term future. His elevated strikeout fee (31.7% in 2024) and defensive limitations make him expendable—particularly if the Crimson Sox can land a powerful prospect bundle from the Seattle Mariners.
Casas’ .241/.337/.462 slash line final season confirmed promise however wasn’t sufficient to cement him as an untouchable piece in Boston’s lineup. With the Mariners in determined want of a primary baseman and boasting a powerful farm system, a deal is sensible for each side. Boston can capitalize on Casas’ worth, including high-upside expertise whereas reshaping their infield for the long run.
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Even Casas himself appears to know the opportunity of a commerce, stating, “I really like Boston … but when it’s elsewhere, I simply really feel like March 28, regardless of the place it’s at, I’m going to be enjoying main league video games” (MassLive). The Crimson Sox want to tug the set off and switch Casas into long-term property.
Signal Mark Canha so as to add a right-handed bat
After securing Bregman and reshaping the infield, the Crimson Sox nonetheless want one other dependable right-handed bat. Mark Canha is an ideal match. The soon-to-be 36-year-old veteran might not be the facility hitter he as soon as was, however his .344 OBP in 2024 exhibits he stays a strong offensive contributor.
Final season, Boston struggled towards left-handed pitching, and Canha’s 124 wRC+ towards southpaws would instantly assist steadiness the lineup. He additionally brings defensive versatility, able to enjoying each nook outfield spots, first base, and designated hitter.
With Boston’s younger core—together with Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony—anticipated to make an affect quickly, including a gradual veteran presence like Canha would supply depth and management whereas nonetheless giving the Crimson Sox lineup an edge.
The Crimson Sox have made massive strikes this offseason, however they’re not carried out but. Shifting Devers to first base, buying and selling Casas for prospects, and signing Canha would spherical out the roster and put Boston in a a lot stronger place heading into 2025. Now, it’s as much as the entrance workplace to make it occur.