Breslow Analyzes the Red Sox’s Strategy for Next Season
Craig Breslow, the Boston Red Sox’s chief of baseball operations, is carefully evaluating how he will approach the offseason following the team’s recent postseason participation. The executive feels optimistic about the pieces he has at his disposal to build on this year’s momentum.Breslow emphasized that the strategy to keep the Red Sox in contention will be comprehensive, focusing on strengthening the pitching staff and continuing to develop the young position players who had a significant impact this season. A crucial aspect for the upcoming offseason will be the situation of right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, who had an outstanding performance with a 10-4 record and a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts. Giolito, who experienced elbow discomfort at the end of the season, has a mutual option with the team for next season. In addition to Giolito, the team will need to make important decisions regarding veterans such as third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Trevor Story, who also have player options that could affect the team’s future. Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million contract in February, has 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 includes a player option after this season. If Story decides to exercise his option, the Red Sox could exercise the club option, extending the deal to seven seasons for $160 million. Breslow avoided commenting on whether conversations with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, already exist, but highlighted the player’s importance to the team.We’ve talked a lot about how this containment window is upon us.
Craig Breslow
The executive also highlighted the importance of the young talents who have emerged in the team, such as outfielder Roman Anthony and infielder Marcelo Mayer, whose seasons were interrupted by injuries. The technical staff also has high expectations for young pitchers like Connelly Early, who has already had the opportunity to experience the postseason.Obviously, Alex has the right, as it is structured in his contract, to choose to leave, and he is going to do what is best for his family. At the same time, I will not miss the opportunity to talk about his contributions in the field, in the clubhouse, with the coaching staff, with 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 heading into the offseason is the pitching… What we have in player development is real.
Cora
