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From Roman Anthony to Juan Soto : How the Red Sox Are Rebuilding for a 2025 Comeback

Elliott Price
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Red Sox Moving On Up

It’s been a grind for the Boston Red Sox since their last world series victory. The 108 wins in 2018 was a franchise record but it’s been followed by just one post-season appearance and none in the last three.

While they came within a game of playing in the 2021 series, the other five seasons have been disasters. There have been three last place finishes with an average of placing more than eighteen games out of first in those five seasons.

Playing under Alex Cora, who had led them to the title in 2018 when he was a rookie manager, Boston won 81  games last season. They sat around wild card contention for awhile and with some young talent pushing through appear ready to make noise once more.

Jun 24, 2024; Boston, Ma, USA; Red Sox manager Alex Cora makes a pitching change at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Boston’s payroll topped baseball when they won it all in 2018 and was first again the next season. It has steadily dropped since. They were 13th in 2023, and up a tick to 11th last season. Buoyed by young talent, the Sox seem ready to spend again.

Betts departure hurt

The downturn started when Mookie Betts was allowed to leave as a free agent. But they’ve signed third baseman Rafael Devers long term, and the farm system has produced some burgeoning stars with more on the way.

Center fielder Jarren Duran broke out in his age twenty-seven season. He led the league in doubles and triples while also smacking 21 homers and scoring a 111 runs. Rookie rightfielder Wilyer Abreu won a gold glove.

The 24-year-old first baseman Tristan Casas seems ready for something special after an injury filled season, while Ceddane Rafaela, 23, is settling in at shortstop. And Tanner Houck has stepped up with ace like numbers in an all star season to top the pitching staff.

Red Sox Moving On Up
Sep 13, 2024; Bronx, NY, USA; Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck delivers a pitch during at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

More young talent on the way

A check of prospect lists for 2025 finds outfielder Roman Anthony at the top of many of them. Infielder/ Outfielder Kristian Campbell is not far behind. As is shortstop Marcelo Mayer, if he can just stay healthy.

They seem very much in on the Juan Soto free agent sweepstakes. That would make for a lot of outfielders which would provide Boston with talent to trade to fill other holes.

Soto’s not the only big time free agent the Red Sox are reportedly in the market for. Hoping to bolster the pitching staff with not one but maybe two of the top arms in the market. Working on the threesome of Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and Max Fried.

Red Sox Moving On Up
Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow talks with media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Red Sox with Chris Breslow as the team’s Chief Baseball Officer certainly look ready to step back out of the shadows and return to competing for baseball’s biggest prize.

About the author

Elliott Price

Elliott Price

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Elliott spent more than 40 years in sports broadcasting. He hosted sports morning shows in both Montreal and Toronto. Elliott handled play by play duties in a multitude of sports. Most notably as the voice of the Montreal Expos. Also CFL football, NHL hockey, OHL and QMJHL junior hockey, boxing, soccer, swimming and more. He currently is senior baseball writer for 'The Sports Rush'

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