Within the next two weeks, we'll know more specifics about the Red Sox' roster. By then, the Sox will know about the status of J.D. Martinez (opt-out clause), Kyle Schwarber (mutual option) and Eduardo Rodriguez (qualifying offer).
That will give the Sox a much clearer view of their roster needs.
In time, we'll turn our attention to some potential free agent and trade targets for the Red Sox. That, too, will be clouded by the potential of a Dec. 2 lockout by the owners. A shutdown of all off-field business -- signings, deals, etc. -- could well be just five weeks away. That will either result in a manic burst of activity in November or, in the other extreme, a quieter than usual start to the Hot Stove season, in anticipation of the coming nuclear winter.
For now, we'll focus on general areas of need that will require the team's attention:
1. STARTING PITCHING.
Sure's it's somewhat devalued, especially in the postseason. And if Rodriguez is qualified and accepts, the Red Sox are in much better shape in this department, with Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, Rodriguez, and Nick Pivetta all proven starters and Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock poised to make the leap to full-time starter status.
But even the return of Rodriguez would give the Sox only six starting candidates. This past season, the Red Sox were remarkably fortunate as every one of their starters held up over the course of the season and they still ended up having seven different pitchers start nine or more games. Additionally, three others started one game each. That's a total of 10 different starters. And again, they were extremely lucky to have that few.
It doesn't help that two of the starter prospects thought to be closest to contributing at the major league level -- Thaddues Ward and Bryan Mata -- will be coming off Tommy John surgery, which means they'll be unavailable at the start of the season, with limited workloads later in the season.
That means the Sox will need to find at least one other established starter through free agency or trade -- and that's if they bring Rodriguez back.
2. BULLPEN.
Sensing a trend here? Turnover is a given on pitching staffs and the Sox stand to lose a few relievers from this year's roster. Hansel Robles and Adam Ottavino are free agents aren't guaranteed a return, though both could be useful.
If the Sox are intent on transitioning both Whitlock and Houck to the rotation, as seems logical, they'll need to somehow replace 83.2 innings of relief.
For now, the Sox have Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Hirokazu Sawamura, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor and Austin Davis under control, but could certainly use another proven high-leverage option if Ottavino and Robles depart.
Candidates from within include Eduard Bazardo, Kaleb Ort and Raynel Espinal.
SECOND BASE
In a perfect world, this position would be handled more-or-less full-time by Christian Arroyo, who proved himself more than capable for the position defensively while showing the ability to produce some timely extra-base hits. But it's tough for the Sox to count on Arroyo. He played just 57 games this past season with a variety of IL stints. It should be noted that those 57 games represent a career high for Arroyo.
The Sox could have other options on the roster, including Kike Hernandez. But the 2021 season demonstrated that Hernandez is better suited for center field rather than the infield. Jonathan Arauz is a nice depth piece, but hasn't shown himself capable of being a regular contributor. And the Sox need to have someone in that category in the event that Arroyo is lost for an extended period of time.
Internal options beyond Arauz are minimal. Jeter Downs is projected as a future second base possibility, but he struggled mightily at Worcester and hasn't played much of the position in the minors. (On the plus side, he's off to a terrific start in the Arizona Fall League, with five homers in his first seven games).
FIRST BASE
If things break a certain way, the Red Sox could have an absolute logjam at first base. Say Martinez opts out, and the Sox go hard to re-sign Schwarber, they could have Bobby Dalbec with Schwarber available for occasional duty, and the possibility at mid-season, Triston Casas might be ready to contribute.
On the other hand, if Martinez stays and Schwarber goes, the Sox will begin the year without a major league-proven lefty alternative to Dalbec.
It would seem the Sox would need to sign or trade for a veteran lefty bat who could offer protection for Dalbec. Travis Shaw, a pending free agent, gave the Sox some big at-bats off the bench late in the season, but may be in search of more playing time elsewhere. But someone like Shaw would be a good fit.