The Boston Red Sox didn’t quite go out with the bang that fans had hoped for, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow did enough this offseason to acquire top talent.
While Boston primarily played it safe, Breslow helped the Sox step up their game to compete at the Yankees’ level this year and set them up for a playoff run. Here’s how we think he fared this winter.
Here are grades for each of Craig Breslow’s offseason moves in his second season with the Red Sox
Alex Bregman
Although Bregman had an average year hitting-wise in 2024, the Sox knew he was their guy. After winning the Gold Glove Award with the Astros last year, Bregman upgrades Boston’s infield and balances out its lefty-heavy lineup. And with his power coming back this spring, the Sox are set up for an explosive offensive year. Bregman has .370 batting average and a .852 slugging percentage, thanks to his three home runs. He’s a welcome addition to the roster and clubhouse.
Besides his phenomenal offense, Bregman has shown why he deserves a steep contract with how he’s handled the Rafael Devers third base drama. He’s a team player and a leader that Boston has needed for the last few years. Red Sox fans should hope that he doesn’t opt out of his contract in November because the team looks fired up with him in the locker room.
Grade: A
Walker Buehler
Buehler was a risky signing for the Sox. He had a rough return from Tommy John surgery last year with the Dodgers, posting a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP with only 64 strikeouts. Although he redeemed himself in the postseason, he carried no guarantees.
But Buehler has looked like his old self again this spring. He has a 1.80 ERA and an even 1.00 WHIP, and he has only given up four hits and one run in two games. Buehler’s hot start to spring training is one of the few positive storylines emerging from spring training for the Sox.
If he continues to pitch at a proficient level, Buehler will be one of the best offseason signings for the Sox. Although his lofty salary of $21.05 is a slight overpay for just one year, it will all be worth it if the Sox make the postseason.
Grade: B
Aroldis Chapman
Signing Chapman, of all relievers, is intriguing. For years, he’s stunted hitters with his record-breaking pitches, culminating in a 15-year career 2.63 ERA, 55 wins, and 333 saves. Although he hasn’t been an All-Star since 2021, and last year with the Pirates he went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA, he looks to be poised for an improved year. He has a 3.38 ERA with two earned runs and 10 strikeouts in six spring training appearances.
Chapman’s lefty arm strengthens Boston’s lefty bullpen platoon and keeps relievers from being overtaxed.
Grade: B+
Garrett Crochet
Crochet was a prime trade target this offseason. Last year was his first as a starter, and he maintained a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 209 strikeouts with the White Sox. He was named an All-Star and was awarded the AL Comeback Player of the Year after returning for his first full season from Tommy John surgery in 2022.
Crochet has continued to dominate during spring training. He has pitched 10 innings while striking out 21 batters and surrendering just one run. With his elite pitching in the last month, it’s no wonder why Crochet was named the Opening Day starter.
Crochet will help take the Sox to the playoffs within the next three years, provided Boston signs him to a much-needed contract extension. His lefty arm balances out the right-dominant starting rotation, and his efficiency allows him to pitch late into innings. The biggest risk to the Sox’s future with Crochet is their hesitancy to extend him despite his expressed desire.
Grade: A
Carlos Narvaez
Narvaez is an insurance backup catcher with little offensive upside. He slashed .254/.370/.412 last year with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees’ Triple-A squad, and he played six games for New York after his major league debut in 2024. His spring has been slow, with a .238 batting average and only five hits and two RBIs. He’s no Kyle Teel, who was traded to Chicago in the Crochet trade, but Narvaez will suffice as a backup to Connor Wong until the trade deadline.
Grade: C
Patrick Sandoval
The biggest upside to Sandoval is that he adds depth to a rotation that already seems to need it. Although he won’t be ready to pitch until the middle of the summer due to a UCL tear last year, pitching might be a persistent problem with Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito expected to miss Opening Day. Sandoval will look to bounce back when he returns after posting a 5.08 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with the Angels in 16 starts last year.
Grade: C
Justin Wilson
Wilson aims to have a better year pitching out of the bullpen than he did last year. In his first year back from Tommy John, he had a 5.38 ERA, 11 holds, and two blown saves with the Reds. Unfortunately, things aren’t looking hopeful that Wilson will improve this year. He has 9.64 ERA with five earned runs and two holds over 5.1 innings. Wilson was added to improve the bullpen, but he won’t be on the team too long if he continues to struggle.
