The Boston Red Sox find themselves at a pivotal moment this offseason. General manager Craig Breslow is poised to make some key roster decisions, moves that could significantly impact the team’s chances of contention in the years to come. Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu are the focus, two of the organization’s most prized possessions.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the club is “almost surely” going to deal one of them, aiming to acquire a top-tier pitcher.

Duran, the 29-year-old former All-Star and the 2024 All-Star Game MVP, managed a 3.9 fWAR in 2025. This was despite a season that, by his own high standards, could be considered a bit of a letdown. He ended the year with a .256/.332/.442 slash line. In 2024, he finished seventh in the league for fWAR, accumulating 6.8 WAR. Only Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and a handful of others surpassed him.

Abreu’s performance, meanwhile, saw a marked upswing.

He launched 22 home runs, a career high, and concluded the season with a .247/.317/.469 slash line. This translated to a 2.4 fWAR in 2025. His remarkable defensive skills in right field earned him back-to-back Gold Glove awards, underscoring his value as a player who shone defensively and offensively.

Losing either of those stars would seriously dent Boston’s offensive output.

Duran’s arbitration eligibility, which lasts three years, combined with his guaranteed $7.7 million contract, positions him as a desirable trade target for teams in the hunt for a quick boost. His prowess in center field, a position he played at an exceptionally high level, further boosts his appeal throughout Major League Baseball. He topped the league in defensive runs saved, accumulating 17 DRS during the 2024 season.

On the other hand, Abreu’s pre-arbitration status, combined with his relatively modest $780,000 salary for 2026, offers the Red Sox four years of production without the expense of a hefty deal. His ability to play right field at Fenway Park, a position known for its difficulties, is a crucial part of the team’s defensive strategy.

Losing either player would be a considerable setback for an offense that finished seventh in runs scored, with 786, but managed just 186 home runs, placing them 15th overall.

But Breslow’s major changes reflect a real need within the organization.

The Boston Red Sox’s power numbers were a problem, especially in the latter part of the season. They finished 27th, hitting only 64 home runs. Breslow has weighed in on the situation head-on.

“A disproportionate number of runs in the postseason are scored via the home run, and that’s not something that we can ignore.” His focus on acquiring top-tier pitchers from teams in the midst of a rebuild, such as Minnesota or Washington, reveals his priorities.

Craig Breslow’s moves this offseason will be the deciding factor in Boston’s chances of being a serious contender in 2026.

Red Sox turn to Pete Alonso to fix offensive struggles

Trading out a single star won’t solve all the problems. Boston’s issues run deeper than surface-level concerns; the team faltered when it counted. Given that Roman Anthony and Ceddane Rafaela are already in the outfield, bringing in another corner bat seems unnecessary. Instead, Breslow must focus on acquiring the middle-order power that can actually change the outcome of postseason games.

Pete Alonso steps up.

The Mets’ power hitter is now a free agent, and the timing is fortuitous for Boston. He’s on fire, sporting a .871 OPS this year, a significant jump from the .788 last season.

Without a qualifying offer to consider, Alonso’s price tag drops significantly. The Mets are already looking ahead, making it clear their star player is on the market.

Six to eight years and a price tag of $180-220 million? That’s a lot.

For Boston, though, it’s not a matter of choice; it’s essential. The Red Sox’s bats went quiet at the worst possible time, and that proved costly. Alonso represents more than just an improvement; he’s the key to transforming a potentially lackluster October into a run of significant victories come 2026.