Red Sox supporters eagerly anticipated an aggressive move during the offseason but were left disappointed. As their division rivals made significant signings, Boston’s management opted for a strategy focused on strengthening pitching depth rather than seeking star players. Now, with spring training approaching, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is standing firm, insisting that the team has meaningfully improved—even if fans don’t see it that way.

The patience hasn’t sat well with the fan base this time. The Yankees replaced Juan Soto with multiple key signings, the Blue Jays made a statement by locking up Anthony Santander, and the Orioles remain the division’s rising powerhouse. Meanwhile, Boston has operated under the luxury tax, leaving many wondering whether ownership is truly committed to building a contender in 2025.

A measured offseason leaves Red Sox fans unsatisfied

In a recent Mass live YouTube video Craig Breslow joined Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam to talk about the notion that the Red Sox have been passive this winter. “I don’t think it would be fair to say that we haven’t made significant improvements to our roster or taken a meaningful step forward,” Pointing to the acquisitions of Walker Buehler, Patrick Sandoval, and Garrett Crochet as clear signs of progress. “We had some holes to fill, and we feel like we’ve done that successfully,” he added.

Breslow further insists the team hasn’t been constrained by ownership’s spending habits, saying, “The resources are available for the right player.” However, that assurance rings hollow to fans who watched the Red Sox stay under the luxury tax while competitors spent freely.

This calculated approach mirrors the philosophy that defined the Chaim Bloom era—long-term sustainability over immediate, high-priced upgrades. But with three last-place finishes in four years, patience is wearing thin. The Red Sox may believe they’ve done enough, but results will ultimately dictate whether Breslow’s confidence is justified. If the team stumbles early, the front office’s insistence that meaningful improvements have already been made may only deepen fan frustration.

Pitching upgrades, but what about the offense?

The Red Sox have clearly prioritized pitching this offseason. While adding Buehler or Sandoval may have solidified a rotation that lacked top-end talent, these moves, along with bullpen additions like Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson, suggest a shift toward run prevention as the team’s primary focus. Breslow has emphasized that improving the staff was the top priority, and on paper, Boston’s pitching depth looks stronger than it has in years. However, while these additions address a major weakness, they don’t solve the lingering question of offensive firepower.

The team’s roster is much the same, with the exception of Adam Duvall no longer being part of it and Luis Urías being traded away. Even though Rafael Devers and Triston Casas offer hitting in the middle of the order, a standout power hitter is still missing to support them. The challenges faced by Masataka Yoshida in the second half of the season and Trevor Storys’ injury worries add to the team’s uncertainties. Fans expected the Red Sox to pursue an impact hitter, yet, spring training is approaching without a significant upgrade.

While pitching upgrades were necessary, the lack of a major offensive addition leaves questions about the team’s ability to compete in a stacked AL East. If the Red Sox struggle early, Breslow’s confidence in these moves will be put to the test.