Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow wasted no time in outlining the team’s offseason plans, telling reporters that he wants to add an impactful hitter and a premier starting pitcher this winter.
Speaking at the general managers’ meetings in Las Vegas, Breslow quickly made it clear that the Red Sox intend to be aggressive in the coming months. Boston is fresh off its first postseason appearance in four years and only its second since winning the 2018 World Series.
“There is just something about a bat in the middle of the lineup that forces another team to game plan against it that has a compounding effect on the rest of the roster,” Breslow said on Monday. “So we didn’t slug nearly as much as I think we can, or we will, and we’ll pursue opportunities to improve that.”
Breslow’s comments come less than five months after the team shockingly traded three-time All-Star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Devers, who initially resisted moving from third base to DH after the team signed Alex Bregman, was in the third season of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension.
Devers hit .279 with 215 home runs, 696 RBIs, 273 doubles, and an .859 OPS in nine-plus seasons with the Red Sox. Boston acquired pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, along with minor-league pitcher Jose Bello and outfielder James Tibbs. The Red Sox later dealt Tibbs to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Dustin May trade.
Notable free agent hitters include Bregman, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. The Red Sox are familiar with Schwarber, who spent the 2021 season’s final months in Boston following a trade with the Washington Nationals.
Breslow explained that while he believes in the Red Sox’s pitching depth, he wants to add a top-level starter behind All-Star ace Garrett Crochet. Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez and San Diego Padres veteran Dylan Cease headline the top free-agent starters; Cease, a former teammate of Crochet’s with the Chicago White Sox, has two top-4 Cy Young finishes since 2022.
Additionally, Shota Imanaga, who posted a 3.28 ERA over 318 innings for the Chicago Cubs the last two years, recently opted out of his contract. However, Imanaga is entering his age-33 season and allowed 31 home runs in 25 starts. Alternatively, the Red Sox could try trading for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta or Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal.
“And trading away for really good young players for a starting pitcher is one way of pulling those wins forward,” said Breslow, who sent four prospects to the Chicago White Sox last offseason for Crochet. “And there are times we showed — last year being one of them — that you have to do that. But we also don’t want to be in a position where we’re having to do that year over year.”
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Red Sox +1800 odds (bet $100 for a $1,900 payout) to win the World Series. That ranks fifth-best among American League teams and eighth leaguewide.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.