The Red Sox reportedly are close to making their first major move of the MLB winter meetings and have clear next steps after Wednesday’s deal.

Boston reportedly will acquire pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox for catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez.

The move represents the first step in what should be a continuing process for the Red Sox. Crochet is an ideal frontline starter to lead the rotation, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow highlighted how a team can never have enough pitching.

Acquiring Crochet doesn’t necessarily put Boston out of the Corbin Burnes sweepstakes. It wouldn’t be surprising if it did, but there are other targets to go after. Boston reportedly has been linked to Walker Buehler and his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Jack Flaherty also would be a solid option. The Red Sox also reportedly are open to the idea of a reunion with Nick Pivetta. Furthermore, there are other trade targets like Dylan Cease and even someone like Roki Sasaki could be a viable option.

Of course, Boston also needs to address another big need this offseason: a right-handed power bat. Teoscar Hernández has been heavily linked to the Red Sox, and the 2024 World Series champion expressed interest in playing at Fenway Park. Alex Bregman also is another possible free agent target, and Nolan Arenado reportedly would waive his no-trade clause if Boston tried to acquire the St. Louis Cardinals infielder.

The reported Crochet deal confirmed the Red Sox are real players in the offseason, but they still have plenty of work to do.