Boston Red Sox Retool Roster in Bid to Reach Playoffs

Offseason moves aim to bolster pitching staff and lineup as Red Sox look to contend in loaded AL East

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Boston Red Sox made several key offseason moves, including trading for pitcher Sonny Gray and catcher Willson Contreras, in an effort to improve their roster and return to the playoffs after making it last season. However, the team faces questions in the infield and will need to replace the leadership and production of departed star Alex Bregman.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are a historic franchise, and when they are competitive, it tends to make the entire league more interesting. As one of the top teams in the loaded American League East, their success or failure could have major implications on the playoff race in the AL.

The details

The Red Sox went 89-73 last season and made the playoffs, but lost to the rival Yankees in the postseason. They traded away star Rafael Devers midway through the year, which may have been a turning point. This offseason, the Red Sox added Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Willson Contreras to bolster their pitching staff and lineup, but lost the leadership and production of Alex Bregman, who signed with the Chicago Cubs. The Red Sox have questions at second and third base, but believe they have the best rotation in the AL East, led by ace Garrett Crochet.

  • The Red Sox started last season with Rafael Devers on the team, but traded him midway through the year.
  • The Red Sox made the playoffs last season with an 89-73 record, but lost to the Yankees in the postseason.
  • This offseason, the Red Sox added Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Willson Contreras to their roster.

The players

Garrett Crochet

The ace of the Red Sox pitching staff, who was outstanding in his first season with the team.

Sonny Gray

A key offseason acquisition who will bolster the Red Sox starting rotation.

Willson Contreras

A new addition to the Red Sox lineup, acquired in a trade to help replace the production and leadership lost with the departure of Alex Bregman.

Alex Bregman

A former star player for the Red Sox who departed in free agency, signing with the Chicago Cubs.

Rafael Devers

A former Red Sox player who was traded midway through last season, as the team felt he was more of a distraction than an asset.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe I am in the minority, but when the Boston Red Sox have a good baseball team, it seems like the league is more enjoyable. I am not a Yankees fan, but I'd say the same about them. It is something about historic franchises being relevant that I like, I think.”

— David Troy, Author (outkick.com)

What’s next

The Red Sox will need to determine how to replace the leadership and production lost with the departure of Alex Bregman, as well as solidify their infield with questions at second and third base.

The takeaway

The Red Sox have made several key offseason moves to bolster their pitching staff and lineup, but they will need strong seasons from their young infielders and continued ace-level performance from Garrett Crochet if they hope to contend in the loaded AL East and return to the playoffs.