Even if the outlook for 2025 is uncertain, Red Sox fans know that the future is bright thanks to their elite farm system, which consists of top-ranked prospects like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer. Sounds like ESPN analyst Jeff Passan knows it, too.

Passan put it succinctly when he said this week, “I think the Red Sox in 2026 are going to be terrifying. Because by then, Anthony, Campbell and Mayer are likely to be up complementing this group with Crochet and Buehler. But this year, I think the Red Sox are borderline a playoff team.”

This rather optimistic assessment of the Sox’ future is surprising coming from Passan, who has been critical of Boston this offseason for not going after big free agents. But he’s basing this take on guys the Red Sox already have in their organization, like their big three prospects and the newly acquired Garrett Crochet.

Also of note is the fact that he mentioned Walker Buehler, who only has a one-year deal with the Sox, as a part of the 2026 roster. Perhaps he’s confident that Buehler will bounce back in 2025 and that the Red Sox will be interested in an extension.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan feels enthusiastic about the Red Sox future

A few things do need to go well for Passan to be right. Firstly, those top prospects need to pan out, which isn’t a guarantee, no matter how talented a player is. Devers and Duran need to keep producing at a high level, and Crochet needs to stay healthy.

More than that, though, the Sox still need to be willing to add in the offseason. Passan’s criticism of their frugality is definitely a fair one, and since they’re only projected to have the 13th-highest payroll in MLB this year, they’ll definitely be room to add. If everything goes well, Boston could be just one big piece away from being a real contender. The front office needs to be willing to bring in that big piece.

Passan certainly has reason to be excited about the Red Sox’s future – the tremendous talent in the organization would make anyone optimistic. But for this dream to come true, the Sox have show that they’re willing to spend what it takes to win — and that they can spend the right way.