Heading into this offseason, one of the Boston Red Sox’s main goals is adding a power bat to replace Rafael Devers after trading him to the San Francisco Giants in June. They also need a third baseman after moving Devers and seeing Alex Bregman opt out of his contract.
While the Red Sox hope to re-sign Bregman, they still need a slugger to replace Devers for 2026 and beyond, as Devers was under contract through 2033.
Boston has money to spend this offseason, and there are several marquee hitters like Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber available in free agency. However, Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy acknowledges that trading Devers created some roster and lineup uncertainty that needs to be addressed this winter.
“Any time you take Rafael Devers out of your lineup, you’re taking out a massive weapon,” Kennedy said on Tuesday’s episode of the “Monster Territory” podcast. “While we made that trade for a variety of reasons, it does impact this offseason, next year, the year after, the year after that, because you miss that bat in the middle of your lineup.”
Story continues below advertisement
Beyond replacing Devers’ bat in the lineup, Boston also needs to figure out what to do at the hot corner, especially if Bregman signs elsewhere. The Red Sox could try Marcelo Mayer there again, but he’s not a sure thing coming off an uneven, injury-shortened rookie year.
Bregman will provide stability at third base if he returns, allowing Mayer to play second base, but that’s not guaranteed. First base is also a question mark with Triston Casas coming back from injury.
“Losing out and trading Raffy Devers does create some question marks as we go into next year and beyond for sure,” Kennedy said.
Story continues below advertisement
Fortunately, Boston has plenty of time over the next few months to answer them.
