Boston Red Sox: Three decisions that must be made this offseason
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox find themselves rapidly falling behind in the AL East. It is time to make some difficult decisions.
Fresh off a World Series championship in 2018, last year was a disappointment for the Boston Red Sox. Not only did they fail to defend their title, but they were unable to reach the postseason. Their 84-76 record led to the firing of GM Dave Dombrowski, and has forced the new front office to re-evaluate the roster.
However, even that evaluation must change. The rival Yankees dropped a bombshell on the division, landing Gerrit Cole, the best pitcher in free agency, on a record contract. The Rays signed Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo in an effort to keep pace. Boston? Well, they signed Martin Perez and Jose Pereza, but also lost Rick Porcello in free agency, and are pressed against the luxury tax. Improvements are not likely to happen.
At this point, the Red Sox are falling rapidly behind in the AL East. If everything goes well, and they can remain healthy, Boston may be able to contend for a Wild Card spot. Based on 2019, and the litany of injuries suffered by their pitching staff, contention may be a pipe dream in the coming year.
With that being the case, the Boston Red Sox have some very important decisions to make regarding the direction of the franchise. Here are three moves that have to be considered.