Craig Breslow, the Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox, is entering his second year and has committed to being more proactive in pursuing roster enhancements this winter. While he has identified specific areas for improvement, it’s still uncertain who he might target.
The Red Sox clearly need to bolster their starting pitching and revamp their bullpen, particularly with the anticipated departure of key veteran relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin. However, the most urgent issue is achieving a better balance in their lineup.
Currently, the Red Sox have an abundance of left-handed hitters and need to add some power from the right side. The free-agent market offers some strong right-handed options, but according to sources, one player stands out as a favorite among the front office.
Chris Cotillo from MassLive reported that certain Red Sox officials are particularly impressed with Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, who recorded a career-high 32 home runs in his contract year in 2024.
“There are some in the organization who hold Adames in high regard and would love to see him in Boston,” Cotillo stated. “However, the current roster is already packed with talented players, and making changes could dilute the overall talent level.”
It’s easy to see why Adames, 29, has garnered admiration. In addition to his 32 home runs, he boasted a .251/.331/.462 batting line while providing solid defense at shortstop and leading his position with 112 RBIs this season.
The Red Sox are also familiar with Adames from his previous stint with the Tampa Bay Rays before he was traded to Milwaukee in 2021. He had a standout series at Fenway Park in June, and his leadership skills have consistently impressed teammates and coaches.
However, the financial aspect is where the situation becomes complicated. Adames is projected to command a $152 million contract according to Spotrac, a figure that could rise significantly if multiple teams compete for him. While Adames would enhance the roster, the Red Sox already have a costly veteran shortstop in Trevor Story.
If the Red Sox are genuinely interested in acquiring Adames, they could explore various options. Story might transition to second base, or Adames could move to third, allowing Rafael Devers to take on designated hitter duties. It’s worth noting that fitting talented hitters into a major league lineup is rarely a concern.
The question remains: Will the Red Sox be willing to outbid other shortstop-seeking teams, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, to secure Adames? Cotillo appears skeptical about that possibility.
