The American League East is shaping up to become an extremely competitive division, with the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays already making major additions. The Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease and the Red Sox traded for Sonny Gray.
According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, the Yankees are reportedly interested in Tatsuya Imai and are expected to “earnestly pursue Imai as they continue to survey the entire pitching market for an arm.”
The Yankees and Blue Jays are the biggest threats to the Red Sox’s pursuit of an American League East title, and both figure to be aggressive this winter. Should the Red Sox feel more pressure to add an impact bat after news of Cease’s signing and the Yankees’ pursuit of another elite arm?
Craig Breslow has already noted the team’s desire to add an impact position player. However, they should not feel any extra pressure with Cease’s arrival and Imai’s potential arrival to the division. The Red Sox have a young, talented team that is just scratching the surface.
Roman Anthony looks like he has what it takes to be a superstar for years to come, and young players like Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu could also take a step up next season.
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With all the young talent already on the team, the Red Sox did not go into free agency needing to sign multiple elite position players. They do need to re-sign Alex Bregman and likely add one power bat.
With so many great hitters available in this free agent class, the Red Sox should have no trouble landing a great addition to their team. However, regardless of who they add, the American League East will not be easy to win.