For years, success had been defined by a long-term build and the question of whether cornerstones of a better future were being laid. The organization hoped that, during this process, they might still compete for postseason berths. However, with the expansion of playoff fields, the goal became increasingly complicated.
Entering the 2025 season, Craig Breslow and the Boston Red Sox believe it is time to raise their ambitions. “I think when you underperform or you don’t have the success on the field that maybe the Red Sox fans have become accustomed to, it becomes easier and easier to accept that being the baseline. And we need to change that,” Breslow said. “We need to create this feeling, this conviction, that we need to be competing for the division every single year. And it starts with our own belief system.”
Breslow sees 2025 as the beginning of a run towards sustainable success. “I think the next five years, seven years—whatever this window is—my job is to extend it for as long as we possibly can. It starts with changing our sights and expectations,” he stated.
The Red Sox made notable moves during the offseason. Their approach included a blockbuster trade for Opening Day starter Garrett Crochet at the Winter Meetings, alongside a three-year, $120 million deal for Alex Bregman.
Manager Alex Cora remarked, “It had been a while since we made such impactful moves. We hadn’t made waves like this since 2018.”
As the season begins and the Red Sox seek a new direction, questions arise—when and how did the organization shift away from the previous offseason’s reluctance to pursue present wins over future gains?
Breslow’s determination was mirrored in statements from Cora and CEO Sam Kennedy. Their shift in strategy was informed by the team’s unexpected success in the first half of the previous season, thanks to young talents like Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Cora, now in the last year of his contract, acknowledged the need for a balance between player development and winning. “We’ve been talking about player development too much lately. I think there’s a balance. You can do all that stuff while you’re winning,” he said.
The offseason started with substantial meetings in Newport Beach, California, discussing free agency with potential stars. Breslow noted, “When we have a team that’s capable of contending for the division, we have the resources from ownership.”
Despite setbacks in acquiring some players, the Red Sox’s offseason has been marked by ambitious trades and contracts, aiming to position themselves for a division title. Breslow emphasized, “The definition of success has changed over the last 18 months. We’re putting together a team that believes it can win the division. That has to be the bar.”
