Boston Red Sox: 3 Glaring Needs To Address In the Offseason

The Boston Red Sox had a disappointing season in 2022, winning just 78 games and falling fall short in the playoff chase. If a return to the postseason is on tap for 2023, they'll have to take care of a number of important pieces of business this winter. Here now, the three most glaring needs for the Red Sox to address. 

Extensions For The Left Side Of The Infield

The contract situations of shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers have dominated the chatter around the team going all the way back to the spring. The Sox came up short in extension talks with both players before the season—about $100M short in both cases—and now must face the music. 

Bogaerts has three years and $60M left on his existing contract, but will be exercising his opt-out to become a free agent. Rumors have him looking for a long-term deal averaging in the $30M/season range. In total, something perhaps approaching $200M. 

Xander Bogaerts was 20 when he won his first World Series.

Rafael Devers was 21 when he won his first World Series.

Both were home grown talent. Both want to remain in Boston. Both want to win as a member of the Red Sox.

It’s really a no-brainer on what needs to be done. pic.twitter.com/lLLomCmQyH

— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) October 28, 2022

In Devers, they do have another year of his services guaranteed, but waiting for the two-time All-Star to become a free agent at the end of 2023 is not a wise option. He's only 26, and a long-term contract still gets Boston all of the prime years of the slugger's career. Rumors have the team actively pursuing a deal with Devers.

Sources: The Red Sox are moving to secure Rafael Devers long-term. The ongoing talks with Devers camp are being led by a senior club executive who is currently in the Dominican Republic. Their goal is to sign Devers, who turns 26 today, to an extension for at least 7 seasons.

— Yancen Pujols (@YancenPujols) October 25, 2022

 A Big Bat For The Outfield

The Red Sox outfield came up lacking this season, certainly from an offensive standpoint. Not one outfielder hit more than 11 home runs. 

Of course, the biggest name here to pursue is Aaron Judge. The Yankee icon becomes a free agent, and the bidding will get pretty insane, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and of course the Yankees, all battling to win his services. But the Sox should definitely play in this pool. 

Another OF bat they could pursue if the Judge thing falls through would be free agent Mitch Haniger, who, when healthy, has shown big-time power. 

Shore Up The Starting Rotation

With only 11 starts in three seasons, Chris Sale certainly can't be counted upon. Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill are all free agents. Eovaldi's velocity dipped as the season went along, and Hill will be 43 next season. Which, if any of them, will be back? 

The Sox would do well to secure one (or two) of the established starting pitchers on the market. Names that come to mind (but won't come cheaply) include Carlos Rodon and Chris Bassitt.

Other concerns to be addressed include the back end of the bullpen, and catching. A very busy offseason for the Boston front office lies ahead. 

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports