"Red Sox could have had Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers" - MLB analyst predicts Boston chasing Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes to reclaim glory
The Boston Red Sox need to keep pace with divisional rivals, the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles, who are establishing themselves as strongholds. While the Red Sox may be second-guessing past decisions, this offseason presents them with an opportunity to reclaim their former glory.
With top free agents in Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes on the market, the Red Sox have the opportunity to strengthen their roster and compete toe to toe with big-market teams. MLB analyst Ben Verlander feels the Red Sox will take advantage of this opportunity.
"I do think the Red Sox are going to make a bit of a splash this offseason," Verlander said (4:06 onwards). "I think they're going to be in the Soto sweepstakes, and I do think they ultimately end up with Corbin Burns.
"I think it’s a place where the fan base is getting a little restless; people are a little frustrated — a lot frustrated — at the Boston Red Sox and the way they've been going about things lately."
Verlander also pointed to previous decisions of the Red Sox, like letting Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts leave without putting up a fight.
"Let's step back to Mookie Betts — you know, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts. You had a core that won a championship that you've just kind of let walk out the door. You could have had Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Raffy Devers, and you've just kind of let that get away from you," Verlander added.
Insider lists dream opening day rotation for Red Sox
This MLB offseason presents teams with the opportunity to land star players such as Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes and the newly posted Roki Sasaki.
Fansided's Zachary Rotman believes the Red Sox could sign Burnes this offseason, make a massive splash by trading for Garrett Crochet from Chicago White Sox and also sign Sasaki to a big contract.
"If they miss out on Soto, Corbin Burnes is the next-best player available, and he'd be the perfect ace of this staff," Rotman wrote.
"A Crochet trade would not come cheap, and he doesn't come without injury risk but would give Boston one of the best No. 2 starters in the game if they were able to sign Burnes," Rotman added. "Even if they don't land Burnes, Crochet would fit in nicely as an ace."
Rotman also noted that just like no one expected the LA Angels to sign Shohei Ohtani, the Red Sox landing Sasaki is not "out of the realm of possibility."
If these moves come to fruition, the Red Sox's rotation could become a dominant force in MLB, positioning them as a contender for the top ranks.