Sox GM Craig Breslow did focus on the twin pillars of hardball success (pitching and defense)—but the offensive void caused by the losses of Rafael Devers (up until the trade) and Alex Bregman, was not really filled by off-season acquisitions.
So, can an improved pitching rotation and defense win enough close, low-scoring games to be competitive in the even tougher AL East? We say the jury is still way out on that point. Let's take a look at the moves:
Starting Pitching: LHP Ranger Suarez, RHP Sonny Gray and RHP Johan Oviedo will clearly bolster the rotation—lining up behind ace Garret Crochet, Brayan Bello—and possibly kids Connelly Early and Payton Tolle in the wings. VERDICT: Clearly an upgrade over 2025.
Bullpen: A bullpen anchored by Aroldis Chapman at the end and Garrett Whitlock setting-up should perform at the same level as 2025 (which was pretty darned good). Justin Slaten and Greg Weissert should be decent again. And, either Tolle or Early getting thrown in would help. VERDICT: Same production as 2025.
Overall Outfield Defense: Not much to say here. With the cadre of Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, the Sox probably have the best defensive OF in baseball VERDICT: Even more positive than we saw in 2025.
Overall Infield Defense: 1B Wilson Contreras, 3B/2B Caleb Durbin (2025 ROY finalist) and utility guy Isiah Kiner-Falefa add solid defensive prowess to the infield—which will also have the resurgent Trevor Story and a healthy Marcelo Mayer. And, how about the year Carlos Navarez had behind the plate—offensively and defensively! On another note, God knows where Triston Casas fits in! VERDICT: Clearly an upgrade over 2025.
Overall Offense: Pretty much everyone in Red Sox Nation expected Boston to acquire a right-handed thumper to pepper and/or clear the Monster on a regular basis. Well, except for possibly Contreras, that thumper ain't anywhere to be seen. Will we even have a 30-HR guy (maybe Anthony)? There's still time to make a move, but it's unlikely given John Henry's hesitancy to part with his fortune (except for foreign soccer teams). VERDICT: Likely downgrade from 2025.
The bottom line? Look for the 2026 Red Sox to marginally improve on their 89-win 2025 season, but not migrate to the elite of the AL East. Too little offense will hurt them in the end.