For the third consecutive year, the Boston Red Sox will miss the playoffs, watching from the sidelines once again. With the bullpen in desperate need of an overhaul and the offense still searching for consistent production, the team is poised for significant changes before spring. These upcoming moves are necessary, as the current roster isn’t winning or contending for postseason spots. A shakeup at Fenway is long overdue, and impactful offseason decisions are essential.
With new Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow aiming to make his mark, the question arises: will Boston consider 22-year-old Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki for their bullpen? Adding a talent like Sasaki could provide the spark the Red Sox need to begin their resurgence.
Red Sox Would Save Money On Sasaki Deal
At just 22 years old, Roki Sasaki is subject to MLB’s international signing rules, which limit his potential earnings. While players over 25 can receive higher pay, Sasaki’s youth positions him as a bargain—likely around $7 million per year. For the Boston Red Sox, whose ownership is always looking for cost-effective deals, this could be a steal. If Sasaki delivers even a fraction of the impact that Shohei Ohtani has, it could turn out to be one of the franchise’s best moves in recent memory. Red Sox owner John Henry may already have some regrets about not committing to Ohtani, especially after watching him break records and draw huge crowds. Missing out on Ohtani likely left money on the table, so fans are wondering if Henry and the front office will be more aggressive this time around.
Sasaki’s future still hinges on whether the Nippon Professional Baseball league (NPB) will approve his move to MLB next season. It’s a bit uncertain right now, but it would be in Craig Breslow’s best interest to stay ahead of other suitors like the Cubs and Dodgers, or any team that’s surely tracking this phenom. In the 2024 season, Sasaki has pitched 111 innings with an impressive 2.35 ERA, while his career ERA over four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines sits at a jaw-dropping 2.10. Those stats make him an enticing prospect for any MLB team. If Breslow can secure him, it could be the first big win of his tenure and a major boost for the Red Sox.
Breslow Is Looking To Make Drastic Changes
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly planning front office cuts for next season, which puts added pressure on Craig Breslow, their new Chief Baseball Officer, to prove his value. In a recent Sports Illustrated article by Colin Keane, he emphasized that signing Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki would be a major coup for the Red Sox. Not only would Sasaki elevate Boston’s rotation, but his acquisition would generate much-needed excitement among a fan base that hasn’t seen the team in playoff contention for three seasons.
Keane described the potential signing as a “badge of honor” for Breslow, as it would demonstrate his ability to compete with top-tier franchises in the free-agent market. Securing Sasaki would signal that Boston is once again a serious player in offseason acquisitions, and help reshape the perception of the team’s competitiveness. While Breslow could pursue established MLB pitchers, the chance to land a talent like Sasaki is something Boston shouldn’t pass up. The deal would allow Breslow to stay under the salary cap while maintaining flexibility to continue improving the roster.
In a New York Times interview, when asked whether the Red Sox would spend this offseason, Breslow remained cautiously optimistic. He acknowledged that conversations about improvements are ongoing, saying, “When opportunities to improve our team exist — and we should be aggressive in trying to find those opportunities — we take them to ownership… I think we’re going to have the support to do that.” Though he noted it’s too early to outline specific moves, the team’s excitement for what lies ahead is clear.
Winter Brings Change To Boston
Roki Sasaki’s 2024 season in Japan has been marked by some arm fatigue, leading him to take a few games off to rest. While his potential remains sky-high, this could be a concern for teams evaluating his long-term performance. It’s still unclear whether Sasaki will be posted to the MLB for next season, but if he becomes available, the Red Sox must be ready to act quickly on this potential game-changer.
Craig Breslow, in his first full offseason as Chief Baseball Officer, is expected to explore every option to revamp Boston’s bullpen. Landing a star like Sasaki could be exactly the bold move that defines Breslow’s tenure. However, with competition from other teams likely, Boston will need to get creative to secure Sasaki’s talents. Both Breslow and owner John Henry should focus on making a strong, forward-thinking plan to attract Sasaki and strengthen the team by the time April arrives.
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