Just two years ago, the Boston Red Sox were within two games of reaching the World Series, ultimately losing the 2021 ALCS to the Houston Astros in six.
Since then, however, things haven't gone nearly as smoothly in Beantown. In each of the last two seasons, the Red Sox have gone 78-84, resulting in last-place finishes in the American League East, which has become arguably the most competitive division in baseball.
Red Sox should be active this offseason
Before the 2023 season ended, Boston already begun making changes as Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom was relieved of his duties despite having a year remaining on his contract.
But the front office obviously isn't the only place needing some shuffling. Simply put, the Red Sox can't compete for a division title, let alone a World Series, with their current roster. But with MLB free agency looming, the powers that be have a chance to get Alex Cora some new blood, as plenty of high-profile players will be on the market.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five free agents the Red Sox could bring in to get them back into title contention.
Blake Snell, LHP
There's no question that the Red Sox need to upgrade their starting pitching rotation, as only two reached the 10-win mark this past season, those being Brayan Bello (12-11) and Nick Pivetta (10-9). The team also ranked 22nd in starter ERA at 4.68.
So that's where we'll put our focus on the first few entries here, starting with 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
In 2023, his third season with the Padres, Snell had his best year since the Tampa Bay Rays shipped him to San Diego, posting a 14-9 record and leading all of Major League Baseball with a 2.25 ERA.
Snell will likely command a big contract, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old has proven his worth and his reliability over the years in both leagues. Since starting 19 games as a rookie in 2016, the Seattle native has started 23 games or more in every season of his career, the only exception being the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
Aaron Nola, RHP
Another reliable arm set to hit free agency this winter is Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola, who's spent his entire nine-year big-league career with the Phillies.
In those nine years, Nola has finished seventh or better in the NL Cy Young voting on three occasions, the most recent being a fourth-place finish just a season ago.
Sure, his 2023 campaign wasn't quite as successful as he went 12-9 with a 4.46 ERA. But that could keep costs down as he hits the market, which would undoubtedly benefit the Red Sox.
Like Snell, Nola is durable and has stayed consistently healthy throughout his career. Over the past six years, the Louisiana native has started at least 32 games five times. Like Snell, the only exception was 2020.
As mentioned, Nola has spent his entire career with the Phillies. And given the success the organization has had over the last few years, one has to wonder if he even wants to make a change. That decision, of course, may be up to someone other than him as Philly may decide to move on, although that might be difficult given how he's performed during the postseason.
Nola would certainly fit in well with Boston fans, as he knows what it's like to play under pressure. And perhaps a new town and a new team is exactly what he needs at this stage in his career.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, RHP
While not a proven commodity in Major League Baseball, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has certainly established himself in his home country of Japan and has rapidly become one of the hottest free agents on the market.
He's only 25 years old, but the right-hander has already played seven seasons of professional baseball and has utterly dominated the Japan Pacific League in recent years. Not only is he a five-time All-Star, but Yamamoto has collected multiple Eiji Sawamura Awards (the league's version of the Cy Young) as well as multiple league MVP trophies.
Over the last three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes, who also once employed Mastaka Yoshida, Yamamoto has gone 49-16 with a ridiculous 1.44 ERA, recording 580 strikeouts against just 110 walks in 550.2 innings.
Now, Boston obviously won't be the only team interested in acquiring this potentially game-changing superstar. The New York Yankees have already shown plenty of interest, and several other clubs have made the trip overseas to get an up-close look.
It will definitely take quite a bit of cash to bring him to Boston, which could mean losing out on some other players. But if Yamamoto can be anything even close to what he's been in Japan, it might just be worth it.
Whit Merrifield, 2B/OF
As far as position players go, it would seem Boston's biggest target could be Juan Soto. But as that would require a trade with the San Diego Padres, we obviously can't include the three-time All-Star here.
Whit Merrifield may not be available in free agency either, as there's a mutual option on his 2024 contract with Toronto. However, that option is worth $18 million, and there's a strong chance that the Blue Jays will decline their side with the hope he'll return at a reduced rate.
If Toronto declines, don't be surprised to see the three-time All-Star test the market, especially given the solid season he just had in helping the Blue Jays to the postseason. In 145 games in 2023, Merrifield hit .272 with 27 doubles, 11 home runs, and 67 RBI, adding 26 stolen bases.
Since making his big-league debut in 2016, the South Carolina native has slashed .284/.330/.420 and has made at least 550 plate appearances every season except 2020. So he's another reliable and durable player. He's also versatile in the field as he can slide in at second base, where the Red Sox have had problems, or play all three outfield spots when necessary.
Is Merrifield the most high-profile (possible) free agent out there? Of course not. But he's the type of guy you want on your team when attempting to make a run at a World Series.
Shohei Ohtani, OF/RHP/DH
As if we'd talk about possible free-agent targets for the Boston Red Sox and not mention Shohei Ohtani.
Is it going to cost any team a ton of money to sign arguably the best all-around player in MLB history? Of course. But the 2021 AL MVP has to sign somewhere, right? And we know he's not going back to the Angels, nor should he.
Sure, Ohtani won't pitch in 2024 as he continues to recover from the UCL tear in his right elbow. But he's expected back on the mound in 2025. And even if he never throws another pitch in his life, his offense alone is worth what he'll command.
Over the past three years, Ohtani has slashed .277/.379/.585 with 82 doubles, 22 triples, 124 home runs, 290 RBI, and 57 stolen bases. And just imagine "Shotime" with that short porch in right field at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox need to make a splash this offseason. And nobody would cause as big of a wave as Shohei Ohtani.
