Red Sox make one monster move but still must turn up the heat

The Boston Red Sox did the right thing. They re-signed Rafael Devers their best player to a monster extension of 11 years and $331M dollars. As noted, this is a “statement signing” and may signal a huge turning point in their previously flawed lower-budget modus operandi.

The signing sends a message. That is the Red Sox are a big-market team and contrary to expectations of more bottom-feeding in this offseason’s business, they may just intend to act as such.

It was refreshing to comment on such a positive step after all of the mish-mash moves that drew the ire of both fans and observers alike. This signing broke significant ice.

Yet, the next question for this still underwhelming offseason is where to now for this version of the Boston Red Sox? The remainder of the offseason will decide the club’s fate in 2023.

Boston Red Sox need to turn up the heat

Devers’ signing is a huge plus for the team, it’s flagging and heretofore seemingly disinterested ownership, and its Chief Baseball Officer, Chaim Bloom. Yet, it’s not nearly enough to set this team up for a championship or even a playoff run. There are too many remaining questions.

Cynics could argue that signing Devers really did nothing but solidify the post-2023 landscape, since Devers was set (barring an unlikely trade) to be in Boston for 2023 anyway before becoming a free agent. A fair statement there.

To date, the Sox have upgraded a terrible bullpen (we think) with some arms. Two are older arms were added in closer Kenley Jansen who had 41 saves with a 3.38 ERA in 2022 with Atlanta and Chris Martin, potentially solid additions. That’s fine.

Then, the Sox paid big cash to sign a top hitter from Japan, Masataka Yoshida. This move was was costly at more than $100M but this space likes the boldness of this move. It’s a big club type of move.

First, Yoshida’s one of Japan’s best. Some Japanese players have fared very well in the MLB, others not so much. Yoshida is a former batting title winner, an outfielder, and a contact hitter who slots right into left field. All good there and it says here, well worth the risk.

Boston Red Sox have 3 important holes to fill

After Yoshida’s addition, the Red Sox are left with a hole at shortstop or second base after letting Xander Bogaerts leave for basically nothing in free agency. It could be a gaping hole.

Last year’s big free agent bust, Trevor Story, may move to shortshop if his arm allows. If not, the Sox need to sign a shortstop. Julio Iglesias would be a great fit, again. Conversely, Kike Hernandez can move to second with Story staying at second, but that then leaves a huge hole in center field.

This is a priority to sort out. A trade for a big-time right fielder involving incumbent Alex Verdugo and maybe prospects or other rostered players is probably the way to go.

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The Red Sox need power in the outfield and an outfield of Yoshida, Hernandez, and Verdugo won’t provide enough. They need to deal with this power shortage.

Those are the top two priorities but others are starting pitching and catching. The starting rotation is loaded with question marks from the older, Chris Sale, to the younger, Brayan Bello. A solid second or third starter would be a terrific addition.

The team is also weak at the catcher position. Only Reese McGuire and a remnant from the disastrous Mookie Betts trade, Connor Wong, are in place. Neither has much of a bat. A trade for a top or at least a better catcher would be a spine-bolstering addition.

Those are the key needs at the moment for Chaim Bloom and the Boston Red Sox to address before the games begin in April. The Devers signing was a great long-term move.

Signing 38-year-old solid veteran Justin Turner will help at DH and maybe as an infield replacement. He’ll also add necessary veteran leadership and could be a very underrated signing.

But the team needs more additions for 2023. Let’s see if they have the willingness, the perspicacity, and the backbone to turn this previously dreadful offseason into something even more positive after signing Devers. It’s now or never for the 2023 Boston Red Sox.