Red Sox Are Surprising Candidate To Land Superstar Slugger This Offseason

Should Boston consider bringing in the former Most Valuable Player this offseason?

The Boston Red Sox likely will make a major splash or two this offseason.

After winning just 78 games in each of the last two seasons, it's clear something needs to be done. Boston already fired former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and brought in former reliever Craig Breslow to take over the same role. Breslow will be tasked with taking the club back to the postseason and this offseason is his first test. 

Boston's biggest need is in the starting rotation but the club could use another power bat in the middle of the lineup, especially if Justin Turner leaves in free agency. It's unclear exactly what the Red Sox will do but CBS Sports' Mike Axisa ranked Boston as the seventh-best landing spot for superstar Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. 

"Good luck figuring out how the Red Sox and new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will approach the offseason," Axisa said. "It stands to reason that, after parting ways with Chaim Bloom, Red Sox ownership wants to contend in 2024, which means upgrading a roster that went 78-84 in 2023 and finished in last place for the third time in four years.

"Jarren Duran had a breakout season this year, so center field would not seem to be high on the list of offseason priorities, though Masataka Yoshida figures to spend most of his time at (designated hitter) moving forward, so Boston could easily shift Duran to left to accommodate Bellinger. We know the Red Sox can afford Bellinger. The question is whether ownership is willing to spend it."

Bellinger would be an intriguing player to add to the outfield mix in Boston but the club likely would need to make a trade or two. The Red Sox may end up trading Alex Verdugo or even Duran this offseason. If Boston were to trade at least one away for a pitcher, a move for Bellinger could then make sense. He is just 28 years old and has the tools to be one of the best outfielders in baseball. Boston should at least consider a move, although it is unlikely. 

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