2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Boston Red Sox

Despite a strong start to the 2023 campaign, the Boston Red Sox finished 78-84 and finished in last place in the AL East for the third time in four seasons. So, what changed this winter for the Sox? Here’s our 2023-24 MLB offseason recap of the Red Sox.

Notable Additions

The theme of Boston’s offseason could be described as buy-low, and hope that the pieces brought in would yield big dividends.

Arguably the biggest acquisition from this winter for the Red Sox was Lucas Giolito. Giolito looked more like the pitcher who dominated from 2019-21 for much of last season but came apart late in the summer for the Angels and Cleveland.

Giolito’s former teammate in Chicago, Liam Hendriks, also joined the Red Sox in February. Hendriks missed most of 2023 and will likely miss at least most of 2024 but he could be a key piece for Boston in 2025.

Meanwhile, former Braves infielder Vaughn Grissom could be the answer for Boston at second base. He was joined by Tyler O’Neill, a former 30-home run hitter who could benefit from the friendly hitting confines at Fenway Park.

Now, we move to the subtractions part of the Red Sox offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

The winds of change blew in Boston during the winter of 2022-23 when key pieces of the 2018 World Series team — J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, and Nathan Eovaldi — all left Boston.

Chris Sale was a part of that dominant team and now he’s no longer in Boston. The Red Sox traded Sale to Atlanta for Vaughn Grissom, a move that ended Sale’s turbulent tenure in Massachusetts.

Sale wasn’t the only notable name to leave after the 2023 season. Boston opted not to keep James Paxton, who pitched well in his return to the Majors but struggled in the summer and went down to knee inflammation in September.

Justin Turner, meanwhile, proved to be an incredibly valuable bat for the Red Sox. Turner posted a strong .345 OBP and drove in 96 for the Red Sox in 2023. However, he’s now a member of the Blue Jays.

In total, three of the top 12 players in bWAR for Boston (Verdugo, Turner, Sale) are gone.

What to Expect in 2024

After a change in front office leadership, the new Red Sox brass set the tone for the franchise this winter. But, it might not be popular — at least not in the short term.

That’s certainly true for star Rafael Devers, who stated that the Red Sox “need to make an adjustment to help us players to be in a better position to win.” But according to new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, building a playoff contender won’t be easy and will require forward steps from the young players.

Boston does have several highly skilled prospects like Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel. However, those words from Breslow indicate a slow build, rather than a deep commitment in payroll like how the Phillies and Rangers resurged into prominence.

With the likes of Baltimore, Toronto, and New York set to field strong teams, the Red Sox will likely find it tough to crack the playoffs.