Red Sox Eyeing Another Big Move as Passan Hints at Potential Trades and Free Agent Additions

As the 2025 MLB offseason continues, the Boston Red Sox are in an interesting position. After making significant strides with a playoff appearance in 2025—their first since 2021—the team is determined to build on that success. However, despite a solid performance, their early Wild Card exit at the hands of the New York Yankees left fans and the front office hungry for more. ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan recently weighed in on the Red Sox’s offseason plans, offering insight into what could be next for the team.

Passan’s Insight: The Red Sox Have More Moves to Make

On New Year’s Eve, Passan took to social media to engage with fans, answering questions and sharing his thoughts on the future of several teams, including the Red Sox. His comments hinted at the possibility of another big move for Boston, potentially involving a significant trade or a major free-agent signing.

“I think the Red Sox have another big move in them,” Passan wrote. “(Bo) Bichette? (Alex) Bregman? Another trade? What they have now is good. What they should want is better. Enough impactful players remain available—particularly at positions of need—that the Red Sox have ample reason to push.”

This comment aligns with the Red Sox’s ongoing focus on improving the team and ensuring they remain competitive in the brutal AL East. While their current roster has plenty of promise, Passan suggests that adding another impact player could push them further toward contention. With positions of need still unfilled, such as power in the middle of the lineup, the Red Sox have ample opportunities to strike while the market remains open.

Bichette’s Free Agency: A Possible Red Sox Target?

One of the players often linked to the Red Sox in rumors is Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. While the Red Sox have yet to make any big splashes in the free-agent market, Passan offered some clarity on why Bichette—and several other notable free agents—remain unsigned.

“Same as what’s going on with Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger: What they believe they’re worth has not been matched by teams,” Passan wrote. “At this point, it’s reasonable to think at least one will slip between the cracks and go for a shorter-term, opt-out-heavy deal we’ve seen work for Pete Alonso, Matt Chapman and, for pitchers, Blake Snell. If that sort of deal would work for anyone, it might be Bichette, who could have a big year, show he’s healthy and hit the market again at 28 years old.”

This insight suggests that Bichette’s free agency has been stalled due to his demands not being met by potential suitors. However, Passan also notes that there’s a chance Bichette—or another top player—could sign a shorter-term, high-value deal that includes an opt-out clause. This type of deal has proven successful for players like Pete Alonso and Matt Chapman, who took shorter contracts with the option to test the market again later. If Bichette were to take such a deal, the Red Sox could be in play to add a dynamic shortstop to their roster.

Red Sox’s Offseason Moves: Pitching and Power

The Red Sox have already made significant moves this offseason to strengthen their roster. After a disappointing Wild Card loss, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been hard at work bolstering the team’s pitching depth. One of the key additions came via trade, where the Red Sox acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a multi-player deal that saw prospect Jhostynxon Garcia head west. Oviedo’s addition provides much-needed depth and strength to the Red Sox’s pitching staff.

In another move to improve their rotation, Boston landed veteran right-hander Sonny Gray earlier in a separate trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray, a seasoned pitcher with a strong track record, adds experience to a starting staff that includes Brayan Bello, Garrett Crochet, and Johan Oviedo. Together with young talents and emerging stars, Gray’s leadership and consistency could be key factors in the Red Sox’s push for postseason success.

But the Red Sox didn’t stop at pitching. They also made a significant move to bolster their offense by acquiring catcher-turned-first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. Contreras, known for his power bat and leadership, will add right-handed power to a team that has long struggled to balance its left-heavy lineup. His ability to play both first base and DH gives manager Alex Cora flexibility as he looks to maximize Contreras’ impact on offense.

A Young Core Poised for Success

With a solid young core in place, the Red Sox are positioning themselves to contend in the AL East. Players like Brayan Bello, Triston Casas, and Rafael Devers continue to develop into cornerstones of the team. The addition of Contreras, along with the pitching acquisitions, has strengthened the overall roster, giving Boston a competitive edge heading into the 2025 season.

However, as Passan notes, adding another impact bat is still crucial. With the Yankees, Rays, and Blue Jays all boasting potent lineups, the Red Sox will need a slugger in the middle of their order to truly compete at the highest level. A player like Bichette, who has the potential to deliver both offense and leadership, could be the missing piece the Red Sox need to challenge for an AL East title.

Red Sox’s Next Step: Push for a Star

As the offseason progresses, the Red Sox will continue to monitor the market for opportunities to add a game-changing player. Passan’s comments suggest that the team is not finished yet, and there are still plenty of impactful players available. Whether through free agency or trade, the Red Sox have the resources and motivation to make another splash that could elevate them from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders.

Ultimately, the Red Sox’s success in 2025 will depend on how well they can balance their pitching and offense. While their rotation looks solid, adding a powerful bat could be the key to competing with the powerhouses of the AL East. The Red Sox are in a good position, but if they can secure that one last piece, they may very well become one of the most dangerous teams in baseball.