Boston Red Sox Spring Training wi/ Nat Gordo from Play Tessie

BaseballBiz On Deck

Boston Red Sox - A New Energy in 2024

The dramatic shift in attitude and confidence

Alex Cora's perspective: last year, they had to talk up their chances; this year, the roster speaks for itself.

Questions around third base and second base positions.

Potential role of Alex Bregman, Kristian Campbell, Vaughn Grissom, and David Hamilton.

Rafael Devers' massive contract and his possible shift to DH.

The impact of Trevor Story's limited availability over the past few years.

Could Alex Bregman handle shortstop if necessary?

Depth options: Marcelo Mayer, Rafael, and Kristian Campbell provide sKtability.

Improved roster depth compared to recent years.

The ability to sustain a winning season in 2025, surpassing Yankees and Orioles.

Worcester's minor league roster stacked with MLB-ready talent.

Red Sox projected to have one of the strongest AL rotations.

Current five-man rotation: Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito.

Kutter Crawford’s injury status

Newly acquired Quinn Priester’s potential role in the rotation.

Depth beyond the starting five: Richard Fitz, Cooper Criswell, and others.

Comparing Red Sox to Other AL East Teams

The Yankees: Strength in their top-tier stars like Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge.

The Red Sox’s approach: winning through depth rather than relying on superstars.

Predictions for AL East competitiveness—Red Sox poised to be a tougher challenge for the Rays.

Potential Trade & Free Agent Moves

Could the Red Sox make a move for Dylan Cease?

Flexibility to add at the trade deadline, given payroll under $200M.

How the Red Sox’s depth could be the key to their success.

The importance of rotational flexibility and the impact of potential injuries.

How Boston’s depth could push them into the playoff picture.

Vaughn Grissom, the key piece of the Chris Sale trade

Determined to compete for the second base job, Grissom is not being tested at other positions

Extension Talks & Payroll Considerations

Boston ownership faces scrutiny over financial allocations amid concerns about investing in the team.

Brayan Bello emerges as the top extension priority.

Bello’s past reluctance to pitch without an extension adds urgency to negotiations.

Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Marcelo Mayer are also potential extension candidates.

Evaluating Brayan Bello's Future Contract

Red Sox must balance risk given Bello’s limited innings and development trajectory.

Blue Jays fail to lock in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.,

Toronto carries the 5th highest payroll (~$233M)

Red Sox, boast the top-rated farm system

A comparison to the Red Sox extending Rafael Devers for 10 years, $324M shows Toronto’s missed opportunity.

Lack of depth and roster mismanagement hinder long-term success.

Toronto’s aggressive contract offers ($700Mf+ for Shohei Ohtani & Juan Soto).

Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might feel overlooked

Comparisons to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s extension

Mookie Betts Trade & Red Sox Rebuilding Strategy

Roman Anthony’s rise relates to Betts' departure.

The adaptability of Mookie Betts

Aroldis Chapman Signing with the Red Sox

AL East & Playoff Contenders

Yankees' potential despite losing Juan Soto.

Yankees acquisitions: Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm.

Tampa Bay Rays’ and Baltimore Orioles’ depth as an advantage.

Kansas City Royals as a surprise AL contender

Follow Mat on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.social, Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward