Breslow Analyzes the Future of the Red Sox After the 2024 Season
Craig Breslow, the Boston Red Sox’s chief baseball officer, is in the midst of planning for the offseason, following the team’s first postseason appearance since 2021. Breslow is optimistic about the pieces he will have at his disposal to continue the team’s momentum.Breslow emphasized that the strategy to keep the Red Sox in a competitive position will be comprehensive, with a focus on strengthening the pitching staff and continuing to develop the young position players who had a significant impact this season. One of the key aspects will be the situation of right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, who had an outstanding season with a 10-4 record and a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts. Giolito, however, was not included in the postseason roster due to elbow discomfort towards the end of the season. The player and the team have a mutual option to negotiate this winter. In addition to Giolito, the team will need to evaluate the options of other key players. Third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Trevor Story also have player options that could affect the team’s future. Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract in February, with the possibility of becoming a free agent after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Story, for his part, signed a six-year, $140 million contract in March 2022, which included a player option after this season. If Story exercises his option, the Red Sox will have the option to exercise the club option, which would make the deal worth $160 million over seven seasons. Breslow declined to confirm whether conversations have already begun with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, but highlighted the player’s importance to the team.We’ve talked a lot about how this window of contention is upon us.
Craig Breslow
The Red Sox’s resurgence was also fueled by contributions from young talents like outfielder Roman Anthony and infielder Marcelo Mayer, both of whom had their seasons cut short by injuries. Manager Alex Cora expressed optimism about the future of young pitchers like Connelly Early, who had the opportunity to participate in the postseason.Obviously, Alex has the right, as structured in his contract, to opt out, and he’s going to do what’s best for his family. At the same time, I won’t miss the opportunity to talk about his contributions in the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office. In every conversation we’ve had, I think I’ve learned something about how his impact and influence have affected his teammates.
Craig Breslow
I think we took steps in the right direction. Last offseason, during the season, not only in terms of what the front office did, but also what we did on the field. We were a much better team than in recent years. But what excites me going into the offseason is the pitching. … What we have in player development is real.
Alex Cora
