The Winter Meetings are officially in the books, and with several of the offseason’s most impactful names now off the market, the Red Sox enter a familiar — but critical — phase of roster construction. For Boston, the headlines remain consistent: more work still needs to be done, and the organization’s focus remains squarely on adding power bats to round out a roster that showed flashes in 2025 but lacked punch in the middle of it's lineup.
The post-Winter Meetings period often defines the direction of an offseason. It’s where front offices pivot, reassess financial flexibility, and decide whether to strike aggressively or operate at the margins. For the Red Sox, that decision looms large as they balance payroll constraints, prospect capital, and a desire to remain competitive in a deep American League.
A Shrinking Market and Missed Fits
Several bats that made sense for Boston have already come off the board. On Saturday, the Mets signed infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, according to multiple reports. Polanco had been loosely connected to the Red Sox as a secondary bat option, valued for his positional flexibility and switch-hitting power. The 31-year-old could have filled roles at both first and second base, addressing multiple roster questions with one move.
Polanco’s signing also served as the Mets’ response to losing Pete Alonso during the Winter Meetings. Baltimore swooped in and landed Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal, adding one of the league’s premier power bats to an already dangerous lineup. For Boston, the Alonso deal now seems that it was never realistic given the cost and years, but it underscored how quickly impact bats are disappearing from the market.
The Red Sox remain intent on adding offense and continue to explore both the free agent and trade markets. According to MassLive, the club is projected to carry a payroll of approximately $225 million for 2026. That figure suggests Boston has flexibility, but not unlimited freedom. The report also noted it is unlikely the team takes on “two big deals exceeding $25 million annually,” a reality that shapes how aggressive Boston can be.
Breslow’s Trade Chessboard
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has stayed active behind the scenes. Boston remains engaged with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, while also exploring trade possibilities for Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte and Astros infielder Isaac Paredes.
The conversations with Arizona, however, have been characterized as more exploratory than advanced. The Diamondbacks have reportedly set a high asking price for Marte, seeking premium pitching and high-end positional prospects in return. That’s where things get complicated for Boston.
Alex Bregman hits his first Red Sox home run! pic.twitter.com/wALwCczy1Y
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 3, 2025
Arizona’s interest is believed to include Marcelo Mayer, a player the Red Sox have been reluctant to move. Mayer’s inclusion would dramatically change the calculus of any deal, especially given the organization’s long-term view of him as a potential cornerstone. Arizona’s desire for pitching only adds another layer of difficulty, as Boston would need to decide how much future value it’s willing to sacrifice for present production.
Complicating matters further, the Mariners and Giants are also engaged in talks with Arizona regarding Marte, creating a competitive market that could push Boston out if the price climbs too high.
Cardinals as a Potential Trade Partner
While Marte discussions remain murky, the Cardinals have emerged as a more realistic trade partner. St. Louis is shopping infielder
