There are various ways that a team or the end of its season can bring fans anguish. Some years it’s a devastating loss in the World Series when it seemed like everything was going right, others it’s a 100-loss season.
For the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, the worst possible outcome is losing to each other in the postseason.
That nightmare has become a reality for Boston sports fans two straight seasons now. Both defeats came primarily at the hands of two Massachusetts natives, Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice, just to add insult to injury.
The Sox have a real chance for a get-back in 2027. Their framework is one of the best in the league, needing just a few pieces to complete their roster.
The pitching side is of little concern for Boston. The team’s 3.00 ERA and 3.78 xFIP from relievers both ranked first in bullpen rankings, and their high-leverage arms all have consistent pedigrees despite being in one of the most volatile position groups in sports. For lack of a better phrase, their bullpen is disgusting.
The starting arms had a total ERA of 3.92 and xFIP of 3.85, good enough for eighth leaguewide. This was without Garrett Crochet, one of the league’s best pitchers in 2025 who missed a majority of the season this year. With Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett looking promising, the rotation appears very positive for the team.
The one hiccup is Sonny Gray. The Cy Young candidate has a $30 million mutual option this offseason which he may decline, though the Sox aren’t ruled out if he does. Gray will have interest all around the league, and at age 37, it’s likely he’ll go to whoever gives him the most security. The return of Crochet could offset his departure, but it’s in Boston’s best interest to retain him.
The offense was the main issue, specifically in the power field. The team ranked No. 19 in OPS leaguewide, and while some of the issues were due to injuries, there are still fixes to be made.
Most of the lineup should be set, as the outfield, first base and catcher positions have solidified names heading into the year. Curtis Mead will also occupy an infield spot, though whether that is second or third remains to be seen, and he has yet to play meaningful minutes in Boston.
Roman Anthony’s return from injury will be a big help, though there is lingering concern about his injury due to a reaggravation in the playoffs. Catcher Adley Rutschman’s struggles in Boston also raise some concern, but at his worst, he is a playable catcher.
Shortstop will likely be occupied by the MLB’s number two prospect Franklin Arias, whose excellent minor league season and Trevor Story’s awful major league season give Arias a great chance to take the role.
Second or third base is one of the spots the team could improve. The free agency options are incredibly thin, which leaves a trade for Houston’s Isaac Paredes as the best option. Paredes has excelled in Houston due to the Crawford Boxes in left field, which is similar to Fenway’s Green Monster. Outside of Paredes, few options make sense in the infield.
The DH role is where the team will be best suited to improve. Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki look like the best options with both slated to hit free agency. Both have all-around hitting ability and bring the power that Boston needs to truly round out their lineup.
Suzuki is a better hitter but also brings one slight issue — he has been known to not want to be a full-time DH. Boston would have to get creative if they were to bring him in, likely rotating certain outfielders in the DH spot. The alternative would be to move Ceddanne Rafaela to second, but the sacrifice of his center field defense is less than ideal.
Arozarena avoids this issue but has less history and support from metrics to support his performance. However, he would also be cheaper.
Either option likely results in the team moving on from Jarren Duran, who had a very poor season. This could occur regardless, however.
Boston cannot look at this past season and use injuries as an excuse or reason to not add to their roster. If a few injuries can derail a season like they did this year, it can certainly happen again, especially with lingering concern on Anthony’s.
Health provided, Boston is on the cusp of being a team that is second to none in the American League. The only team with more potential than them are their Bronx rivals, but with the amount of money they have tied up, the opportunity is there for Boston to pounce and get their revenge.