With the 2024 MLB regular season behind them, the Boston Red Sox can now begin looking ahead to the next season.
There’s plenty to be optimistic about with the Red Sox. Despite not making the playoffs, they were an entertaining team throughout the year. The roster is filled with young talent, and they showed progress by competing for a playoff spot until the final series. This sets them up well for further improvement in 2025.
However, Boston faces some tough choices this winter as they look to balance their lineup. The team was heavily left-handed in 2024, with Tyler O’Neill emerging as their leading right-handed hitter, smashing 31 home runs and driving in 61 runs over 113 games.
Although O’Neill had a strong season for the Red Sox in 2024, he will enter free agency this winter, prompting the team to decide on his future for 2025 and beyond. He’s expected to command around $90 million over five years, but predictions suggest he may not return.
FanSided’s Ryan Bunton noted that with potential starting outfielders like Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu, along with top prospect Roman Anthony and veteran Rob Refsnyder, O’Neill’s role remains uncertain. While a return is possible, it will depend on the team’s budget and roster decisions, likely requiring a trade to accommodate him given their current outfield depth.
Leave a Reply