Boston Red Sox Aim to Strengthen Roster This Offseason
The Boston Red Sox are entering another offseason determined to make roster improvements that could push them closer to an American League pennant.
Last year, the team added key players such as Alex Bregman, Garrett Crochet, and Aroldis Chapman. Those moves helped Boston return to the playoffs for the first time in several seasons.
Now, President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow is focused on taking the next step — building a roster capable of competing for a World Series berth.
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Trade Market Activity Expected
One of the highlights of last offseason was the trade that brought Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox to Boston.
That deal showed the Red Sox’s willingness to use trades as a key strategy, and many expect them to be active in the market again this year.
After the team decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Lucas Giolito, he is set to test free agency, leaving a noticeable gap in the starting rotation.
This has sparked speculation that Boston could pursue a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire one of their top starting pitchers.
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Red Sox Linked to Mitch Keller
All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller was surrounded by trade rumors during the season but ultimately stayed with the Pirates.
His contract — a five-year, $77 million deal — remains team-friendly and adds to his trade value.
In a recent report, baseball analyst Joel Reuter suggested that Boston could pursue a player-for-player trade, sending Wilyer Abreu to Pittsburgh in exchange for Keller.
According to Reuter, Boston has a surplus of outfield talent but a pressing need for a veteran starter to replace Giolito.
With Garrett Crochet leading the rotation, the Red Sox still need additional depth. Adding another reliable starter is expected to be one of Breslow’s top offseason priorities.
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Why Wilyer Abreu Could Be Traded
The Red Sox currently have more outfielders than they need. After extending Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony, outfielder Wilyer Abreu has become a potential trade chip.
Abreu posted strong numbers in 2025, hitting 22 home runs with a 116 OPS+ over 115 games, and earned a Gold Glove for his defensive work. He would be an appealing addition for the Pirates, who are in need of consistent offensive players.
Meanwhile, Mitch Keller endured a tough season record-wise (6–15) but remained durable and effective, finishing with a 4.19 ERA over 176.1 innings. He has thrown more than 150 innings in each of the past four seasons — a level of consistency Boston could use in its rotation.
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Looking Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, Wilyer Abreu is likely to remain a topic of trade discussions. The Red Sox are determined to strengthen their pitching staff and make a serious run at the American League title in 2026. With Garrett Crochet anchoring the rotation, adding another dependable starter could be the move that takes Boston from playoff contender to championship threat.
