Imagine being a Red Sox fan, watching your team fall short, year after year. It's frustrating, right? Well, there's good news: the 2026 Red Sox are already looking better than last year's squad... but they're one trade away from being truly competitive. According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has quietly assembled a pitching rotation that could be the team's saving grace.
When asked directly if the current roster is an improvement over last year's, Breslow played it coy, focusing on the upgraded pitching staff. He emphasized the advantage of entering each game feeling confident that the pitching will keep them in contention. "I think the improvements we made on the pitching side are significant," Breslow stated. "It can be difficult at times to fully appreciate the impact of having dominant starting pitching... I think no matter who we’re playing on any given day, we’re going to feel like we’ve got a chance to win.”
Smith argues that Breslow could have simply said, "Yes, the roster is better!" And he might be right. Smith believes the current Red Sox roster is marginally better, but with one key addition – an impact infielder – they could be significantly better.
Let's break down the pitching transformation. Remember the 2025 AL Wild Card Series, where Connelly Early, a relatively inexperienced pitcher, was thrust into a crucial Game 3 against the Yankees? Fast forward four months, and Breslow has revamped the rotation with postseason pedigree. The acquisition of Ranger Suárez, with his stellar 1.48 ERA in 11 postseason appearances, is a game-changer. He, alongside Garrett Crochet, could form a formidable 1-2 punch in any playoff series. Sonny Gray, another trade addition, also boasts a respectable 3.26 ERA in his limited postseason starts. In fact, the Red Sox might possess unprecedented starting pitching depth, with a reported 14 pitchers on their 40-man roster.
But here's where it gets controversial... The departure of Alex Bregman to the Cubs via free agency leaves a void in the lineup and infield defense. Breslow himself acknowledged it was "disappointing" to lose Bregman. However, Smith contends that all is not lost. The key? Acquiring a complete player through a strategic trade.
Smith specifically points to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors, as a potential target. Hoerner's impressive .297 batting average and Gold Glove-caliber defense (17 defensive runs saved last year) make him an ideal fit. "He or someone similar is exactly who Breslow should be targeting," Smith writes. What do you think? Is Hoerner the right guy, or should Breslow set his sights elsewhere?
Breslow, according to Smith, needs to make one final, impactful trade. Defense, Smith argues, is just as crucial as offense. A reliable infield is essential to maximize the potential of the improved pitching staff, which Breslow himself has identified as the team's strength and identity.
The addition of Willson Contreras, viewed as a power hitter, via trade should help to offset the loss of Bregman's right-handed hitting. Manager Alex Cora has already penciled Contreras in as the cleanup hitter. If Breslow secures one more impactful hitter, the 2026 Red Sox offense should, theoretically, surpass last year's performance.
While Bregman was a significant presence in the lineup, his production is not irreplaceable. While he started a majority of games in the crucial second and third spots in the batting order, his performance dipped towards the end of the season, batting just .250 with a .724 OPS in his final 63 games.
Additionally, the addition of Contreras at first base is also an upgrade defensively. He rated in the 91st percentile in outs above average among major league first basemen the previous year. And this is the part most people miss... However, the overall infield defense remains a question mark, especially with the roster still incomplete.
There's reason for optimism. Marcelo Mayer possesses the potential to become a plus defender at either third or second base. Trevor Story, despite a subpar defensive season at shortstop, could rebound after recovering from major surgeries. It's worth noting that Story committed five throwing errors in a short span late in the season, potentially due to arm fatigue.
It's also important to remember that even established players can improve their defense. Consider Dustin Pedroia, who worked on his quickness to improve his defense at almost the same age as Story is now. Story, known for his dedication to fitness and quickness, has the potential to regain his defensive prowess.
Left-handed relief pitching and catching depth are minor areas that could be addressed, but the primary focus should be on acquiring an impactful infielder. This move is both necessary and achievable, as Breslow can leverage the team's pitching and outfield depth without compromising the farm system or the major league roster.
Smith concludes that the current roster is capable of matching last year's 89-win total. One more significant trade could transform them into a 93+ win team, making them serious contenders. Do you agree with Smith's assessment? Is an infielder the missing piece? Or do you believe the Red Sox should prioritize other areas? What player(s) would you target in a trade? Let's discuss in the comments!
