The Boston Red Sox had a roller coaster of a season in 2026. After an ugly start in April, the front office made the bold decision to fire manager Alex Cora. Many viewed the move as an overreaction and unfair. However, it ended up being the right one.
While it took some time, the Red Sox and new manager Chad Tracy turned things around and, in July, were the hottest team in MLB as they posted a 21-4 record. That red-hot month helped them finish with 87 games this season and earn a spot in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the warts on the roster showed as they were soundly drubbed in their Wild Card series against the New York Yankees. Boston was outscored 18-2 in the two-game sweep.
While this Red Sox team has given fans hope for more competitive play in the future, their front office must add veteran impact players this winter. With that in mind, we offer up 12 bold and realistic targets for the club this offseason.
Ketel Marte, 2B
12Sep 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) fields a ball during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
While Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks worked out the drama from August, you can bet they would like to move on from the mercurial star this offseason. The Red Sox got very little from second base this season. Although Marte had a down year in 2026 (His .243 average was the second-lowest of his career), he still smacked 31 doubles, 22 homers, and drove in 76 runs in 144 games.
A year ago, the cost of a trade would have been high. However, after that stuff that went down this summer, the three-time All-Star could be a huge addition for a reasonable price.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., INF/OF
12Sep 9, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) looks on during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Speaking of mercurial talents, two-time All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be available this winter, and it does not look like the Yankees will try to re-sign him. The reason why is that he can be streaky and a handful in the locker room. However, in a younger clubhouse like the Red Sox, he might be a better fit, and after a down season, he could be signed for a fair price.
Despite his flaws, he has a legit power bat that can steal bases (He had a career-best 41 this season) and offers Tracy a ton of defensive versatility because he can play at third, short, second, and in the outfield.
Luis Arraez, 2B/DH
12Sep 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) prepares to bat during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Does eight-year MLB veteran Luis Arraez bring good defense and pop to the lineup? Not at all. But he once again proved this season that he is one of the game’s best pure hitters by nearly winning a fourth batting title.
Having a player who can get on base constantly is a big plus, no matter how much Arraez’s detractors try to downplay it. For a team that was middle-of-the-road in hits this season, the Red Sox could use a player like Arraez in the batting order. Plus, he can slot in at second base.
CJ Abrams, SS
12Sep 25, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
There was a surprising amount of discourse about the Washington Nationals trading star shortstop CJ Abrams before August’s deadline. And the Red Sox were a team often mentioned in the trade speculation. That will continue this summer after the Nats held on to the 25-year-old.
If Boston wants to be bold and get an elite talent at a position where they badly need an upgrade, going after the three-time All-Star makes all the sense in the world. However, the price is sure to be steep after Abrams tallied career highs in homers (33) and RBIs (106) this year. Nevertheless, he is worth the cost because he is just entering his prime.
AJ Minter, RP
12Jul 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher A.J. Minter (33) reacts after allowing a two run home run to Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
While he has had injury issues in recent years and was traded by the New York Mets before the deadline, reliever AJ Minter should be on Boston’s wish list this offseason. He has been a reliable bullpen arm for years and had a 2.56 ERA in 2026. You can never have enough good pitching out of the pen, and Minter could be had at a reasonable cost.
Byron Buxton. OF
12Aug 18, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins pinch hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates his run against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Yes, Jarren Duran had 20 homers in 2026, but he also hit .207. He is a feast-or-famine player the Red Sox need to move on from. So who might be a replacement option for him this winter? Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox give the Minnesota Twins a call about Byron Buxton.
The three-time All-Star (including this season) was in trade rumors last year, but Minnesota held on to him. After another losing year, the Twins may be more open to trying to get his contract off their books and get a solid prospect return. The 12-year veteran brings a big bat to the lineup, and the Sox would have one of the better outfields in the American League by adding the one-time Gold Glove winner.
Michael King, SP
12Sep 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
While many Red Sox fans would love for the team to go after two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, it’s unlikely because of the historic deal he will be looking for this offseason. However, they could still go shopping in the second tier of free-agent pitchers, and San Diego Padres starter Michael King should be an option if Sonny Gray is not re-signed this winter.
He has been a borderline All-Star for much of the last six seasons, and throwing a no-hitter through seven innings this week against the Chicago Cubs — along with his previous success under the New York spotlight — shows he can shine in high-pressure situations. A rotation featuringGarrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, and King in 2027 would be very formidable.
Francisco Lindor, SS
12Sep 18, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
CJ Abrams would be the perfect target to replace Trevor Story. However, as mentioned before, the price may be too high. That is why Mets star Francisco Lindor should be a secondary option. Yes, New York management would like to keep him. But being in the same locker room with Juan Soto has been a disaster after two seasons, and the $765 million man is going nowhere.
Despite playing in just over 100 games, the five-time All-Star still hit 21 homers with 49 RBIs in 2026. But most importantly, the Mets would love to get out from under the $170 million he is owed through 2031. If Boston is willing to take on that money, they would get a big difference-maker who has also shown good leadership skills, and it would cost them far less than Abrams.
Joe Ryan, SP
12Sep 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) delivers a pitch against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
While the 2027 season is in limbo and we don’t know if it will come with a new salary cap, it is very likely that Twins pitcher Joe Ryan will not opt into another season in Minnesota and will seek out a multi-year deal in free agency.
Although he finished the season with a 4.60 ERA, Ryan is a two-time All-Star and is in the middle of his prime at 30 years old. He would be a great No. 3 option behind Crochet and Suarez next season.
Seiya Suzuki, OF/DH
12Sep 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts after a strike against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Another potential option to replace Durán, if the Red Sox can find a trade partner for him this offseason, would be Cubs outfielder and DH Seiya Suzuki. The 32-year-old had another good season as he posted a .270 average, .841 OPS, with 31 doubles, 26 homers, and 86 RBIs. He brings the same power as Duran but is far better at getting on base when he isn’t hitting home runs.
Furthermore, landing him will just cost the Red Sox money in free agency, not assets in a trade.
Raisel Iglesias, RP
12Sep 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
As mentioned above, you can never have enough pitching in the bullpen, and the Red Sox have gotten great seasons from a well-aged Aroldis Chapman over the last couple of seasons. Maybe they can go that route again with another Cuban in Atlanta Braves veteran Raisel Iglesias.
While he turns 37 in January, he had another strong year for the Braves as he posted a 2.55 ERA and 34 saves for the National League East champs. If he can be convinced to switch to a setup role, the Cuban combo could be nasty for Boston in 2027.
Hiromi Itoh, SP
12Mar 14, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Japan pitcher Hiromi Itoh (14) delivers a pitch against Venezuela in the sixth inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
There will be a few Japanese imports available this winter, and one that should be on Boston’s radar is six-year veteran Hiromi Itoh. The 29-year-old posted a 3.44 ERA in 172.2 innings for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2026. He has a seven-pitch arsenal, and his fastball can hit as high as 96 mph. He used it to win the Sawamura Award, which is similar to MLB’s Cy Young Award.
Itoh could be a very nice option as their No. 3 starter in 2027 and will cost less than King and Ryan in free agency.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos