When did the Boston Red Sox decide to get so quiet with the big moves? For years they have had no problem spending huge on players and staying competitive. But this off-season has been a mixed bag of sorts. They surely have strengthened their lineup by getting Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman and trading for Garret Crochet. Those are A+ moves. But wait, where is the big bat? The star player that every team has and Boston needs if they want a shot at the championship? None!

The sad part is that Boston did try; this off-season, they were heavily linked with Max Fried, Blake Snell, and Juan Soto. There was a time when even Big Papi was championing Soto to come play at the Red Sox. But while they were in the mix, the reason why they lost out on all those deals was – not spending money! They fell short and had to walk empty-handed, and in total, they spent just $31.8 million on two short-term deals this time. This isn’t what the Boston fans know them for, and Jeff Passan didn’t shy away from calling this stinginess out.

Are the Boston Red Sox losing their edge?

ESPN’s Jeff Passan called out Boston for losing track of their identity. “The Red Sox need to stop acting like a team with the 13th-highest payroll in MLB and start acting like the Boston Red Sox,” he mentioned. Ouch, that does pinch! But he has a point because this is the same team that used to dominate the opening-day payroll rankings. Now the reality is far from that.

But then, it’s not always like this, as Rafael Devers’s $331 million extension back in 2023 was huge, and it gave hope to fans—the team was in the right direction. This was the same team that let Mookie Betts walk away to the LA Dodgers; everyone saw the damage Betts did in 2024. They also let Xander Bogaerts walk away, and yet, fans were hoping that under Craig Breslow, the team would start being a big market team. But it seems that it’s just been wishful hopes.

However, fans need not be worried, as the Boston Red Sox aren’t a bad team heading into the 2025 season. They have Buehler, Crochet, Lucas Giolito, and Patrick Sandoval, so it’s solid. But yes, how they stack in the AL East remains a big question. Right now, they are also eyeing Alex Bregman, and that’s the kind of bat they need.

Boston needs Alex Bregman but it won’t be easy

Alex Bregman is surprisingly still unsigned in the off-season. The reason is the huge $200 ask of his and his agent Scott Boras. However, the Boston Red Sox, not having spent much, still have a chance to lock in one of the biggest names in the off-season. But it’s not going to be simple to sign him because even here there is a line of teams wanting Bregman’s attention.

From the Detroit Tigers to the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, everyone is in the mix. Just five weeks remain until pitchers and catchers report to camp, and they need to close in on this deal quickly. Yes, there is an issue about how Bregman would fit with Rafael Devers, but Jim Bowden suggests a way. “They could move Rafael Devers to first base and put Triston Casas at DH, or they could just put Bregman at second base full-time,” said Bowden. Because for him, Bregman and Boston just fit perfectly.

Plus there is an interesting twist: Bregman has a rapport with Boston’s Walker Buehler. They are friends and even co-own a horse together. Of course, hoping a horse would be the reason Bregman comes to Boston would be foolish. But then, wishing is what Boston fans can do now. So, do you think Bregman and Boston could happen? Let us know in the comments. ​​