The Boston Purple Sox proved two issues this season: The younger core is almost prepared for rivalry however main weaknesses should be addressed.
Boston completed 81-81, good for third place within the American League East, and missed the postseason for the third straight season. That is not the usual in Boston. If the Purple Sox hope to vary their destiny in 2025, an aggressive offseason must be in retailer this winter.
The 2024 marketing campaign confirmed Boston’s clear wants that separated it from playoff-caliber ballclubs. Fortunately for the Purple Sox, they’ve the property wanted to make correct modifications and purchase authentic expertise to spark a run in 2025.
It is solely October. The playoffs simply began for the groups within the combine. That does not imply the Purple Sox should not be serious about authentic upgrades throughout the board to take care of a dominant workforce in 2025.
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With that, listed below are 4 daring predictions for the Purple Sox offseason.
1. Boston Trades For A No. 1 Beginning Pitcher
Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford all progressed nicely in their very own methods in 2024 whereas making 30 begins every for the primary time of their careers.
That is nice information for the Purple Sox. It is nonetheless not sufficient.
Lucas Giolito, in all chance, will make his Purple Sox debut after lacking the whole 2024 season. Pitchers similar to Richard Fitts, Quinn Priester and finally Hunter Dobbins give Boston the depth the workforce wanted for years with a revamped pitching program. The one downside is the membership nonetheless wants an ace.
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The Purple Sox want to have the ability to give the ball to a bonafide No. 1 as they did with every nice core of this century. Names like Pedro Martinez, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Chris Sale are a number of who come to thoughts.
Now, free company seemingly will not be advantageous for the Purple Sox. Corbin Burnes and Max Fried headline the market and do not completely match the manufacturing of the value vary they will command. As a substitute, the time to strike with a wealth of assets is now.
The Seattle Mariners moved previous any offers final offseason with Boston. The Purple Sox ought to completely attempt to pry from Seattle’s robust rotation, which incorporates Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Seattle wants younger offense and Boston can present it.
2. Proper-Handed Energy Comes From Exterior Signing As Designated Hitter
Alex Cora and Craig Breslow need the Purple Sox to play to their dwelling ballpark and profit from right-handed energy bats at Fenway Park.
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Trevor Story missed the vast majority of the 2024 season, leaving Tyler O’Neill, Ceddanne Rafaela and Connor Wong as the one constant right-handed hitters within the lineup. O’Neill did pop 31 dwelling runs earlier than heading to free company. The present and future variations of the Purple Sox lineups are left-handed dominant, so Boston wants a right-handed thumper to interrupt that up.
The Purple Sox might be versatile shifting gamers in spots and finally making future roster choices this winter. Designated hitter seems to be a first-rate spot to position right-handed energy. An O’Neill reunion could be a begin. On the free agent market, Marcell Ozuna and Teoscar Hernández appear logical. What about buying and selling for Oakland (for now) Athletics All-Star Brent Rooker, who can discover a dwelling defensively as nicely?
Choices are infinite.
3. Boston Fills Second Base, Nearer Roles Internally
Kenley Jansen heads to free company after two strong years as Boston’s nearer, which offered needed stability on the again finish of the bullpen.
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The Purple Sox nonetheless have not discovered a secure second baseman to interchange Dustin Pedroia and it has been over seven years. Fortunately, these gamers are already in home to reply each of those present questions.
Kristian Campbell completely tore up the minor leagues in his meteoric rise by the Purple Sox farm system. He jumped three ranges and reached Triple-A Worcester. He is the dream for the present roster: a right-handed bat with creating energy and defensive versatility. When the Purple Sox open the 2025 season towards the Rangers, Campbell ought to begin at second base.
Boston additionally has a fellow All-Star nearer able to go. Liam Hendriks almost returned to finish the season following Tommy John surgical procedure late in 2023. He is established as a shutdown ninth-inning man who can return to dominance. Justin Slaten has elite stuff for the Purple Sox, however Hendriks is sensible to observe Jansen.
4. Purple Sox Signal Shane Bieber And Tanner Scott
Lastly, some particular predictions!
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The Purple Sox want arms badly to steer their improved pitchers who stepped up in 2024.
Shane Bieber has a Cy Younger award on his resume after a standout run with the Cleveland Guardians. Accidents slowed him down lately, so this might be an identical deal to the Giolito signing by way of trusting Andrew Bailey and firm to revive a prime starter to type.
The Purple Sox additionally want filthy, swing-and-miss relievers within the bullpen. Including a lefty would not harm, both. That is precisely what Tanner Scott offers.
The 2024 All-Star posted a 1.75 ERA throughout 72 appearances for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres whereas hanging out 10.5 batters per 9 innings.
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These two fill wants for the Purple Sox.
