The Boston Red Sox walked out of the 2025 Winter Meetings without making a headline-grabbing move. That doesn’t mean this front office is just sitting on its hands.
Under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, Boston seems to be setting up for something bigger. They’re hunting for impact bats ahead of the 2026 season.
With key free agents like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso signing elsewhere, the Red Sox have shifted their focus. Now, it’s all about the trade market and a deeper pool of offensive options.
Red Sox Stay Patient After Quiet Winter Meetings
The optics of a quiet week in December can be misleading. Other clubs left Nashville with shiny new stars, but Boston walked away with something less obvious: flexibility.
Breslow keeps saying the organization is committed to improving the lineup. Even if it takes a while, they’re not rushing into anything just to make a splash.
Inside the building, the message is clear—the Winter Meetings were just the start, not the finish. The Red Sox are still very much in the thick of their offseason plan.
Why Schwarber and Alonso Weren’t the End of the Story
Watching Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso land elsewhere stung for fans hoping for more power. Both guys fit the classic middle-of-the-order slugger mold.
Boston’s patience shows that the front office didn’t want to overpay for players who might not fit the long-term vision. They’re betting on broader options—trades and shorter deals—to build a more balanced lineup for 2026 and beyond.
Boston’s Trade and Free Agent Targets for 2026
The Red Sox are looking everywhere—both leagues and even internationally—to add one or two impact bats. They’re considering multiple infielders, a possible middle-order catcher, and a high-power third baseman.
Breslow has options at several positions. From what we’ve heard, Boston isn’t bargain hunting here. They want core, everyday bats who can really shift the lineup.
High-End Infield Targets: Bregman, Marte, and Paredes
Here are some of the most notable names linked to Boston:
The issue isn’t lack of interest—it’s the price. Arizona, for example, has reportedly asked about young infielder Marcelo Mayer, one of Boston’s top prospects.
So far, Boston hasn’t shown much willingness to go that far with their best young talent.
Intrigue with Cardinals Bats: Donovan and Contreras
The Red Sox have also checked in on a couple of St. Louis Cardinals infielders:
Contreras would bring right-handed power and postseason experience. But Boston would have to work around his contract and convince him to waive that no-trade clause.
Other Impact Names: Bichette, Polanco, and Okamoto
The Red Sox aren’t sticking to just one or two teams. Other names in the mix include:
Each target brings a different mix of cost, control, and positional fit. Boston has a lot of ways they could shake up the roster.
Free Agent Power: Eugenio Suarez on the Periphery
On the pure power front, Eugenio Suarez stands out. He launched 49 home runs in 2025 and is one of the most dangerous free agent bats out there.
The Red Sox have shown some interest, but not with the same urgency they’ve shown on the trade front. Suarez feels more like a backup plan if other deals fall through or the market cools off.
Payroll Flexibility and the Road to 2026
Boston’s projected payroll sits around $225 million. Internal expectations suggest it’ll surpass the 2025 final figure and land in the $248–249 million range.
That gap gives the club financial room to add more offense. It’s not a small thing—they could still bring in a difference-maker or two.
Some Red Sox fans might worry about the quiet Winter Meetings. But honestly, a lack of a big splash doesn’t mean they’re not ambitious.
Trade talks are still in motion, and there are several high-impact bats on Boston’s radar. The Sox seem determined to add at least one, maybe even two, significant hitters before Opening Day 2026.
Here is the source article for this story: What we’re hearing on Red Sox search for bats (including new name) after Winter Meetings
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