After a frustrating exit at the hands of the New York Yankees in last season’s American League wild-card round, the Boston Red Sox entered the offseason with a clear mandate: close the gap within the American League East and position themselves as legitimate contenders again.
A Productive Offseason for the Red Sox
To their credit, the Red Sox did not sit idle. The addition of left-hander Ranger Suárez on a five-year deal immediately strengthened the rotation and gave Boston a reliable No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet. That move alone signaled an aggressive mindset and a belief that the team is ready to win now. However, the inability to re-sign Alex Bregman or land alternative targets like Bo Bichette, Nolan Arenado, or Eugenio Suárez left the roster unbalanced. Openings at both second and third base remain, and the lineup still lacks the stabilizing bat needed to compete with New York and Toronto over a full season.
Internal options exist, but they inspire limited confidence. Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton, Nick Sogard, and Kristian Campbell are expected to battle in spring training, yet none profiles as a clear everyday solution. Campbell’s struggles last season only reinforce the uncertainty, making it difficult for Boston to enter the year without addressing the position externally.
Why CJ Abrams Represents a Logical Pivot
That uncertainty is what makes Steve Phillips’ suggestion compelling. Trading for Washington Nationals All-Star CJ Abrams would represent a clear pivot after missing out on free-agent and trade targets earlier in the offseason. Abrams may not be an ideal shortstop defensively, but his athleticism and skill set project far more favorably at second base. Offensively, he offers legitimate upside, combining power, speed, and gap-to-gap ability that would immediately lengthen Boston’s lineup.
Abrams is also still entering his prime, with three years of team control remaining. His arbitration salary is manageable, and his recent All-Star pedigree underscores the impact he can provide when deployed correctly.
The Cost of Contending Now
The obstacle, of course, is price. Washington would likely demand a significant return, potentially centered around top pitching prospect Payton Tolle. While Tolle struggled in limited major-league action, his long-term ceiling remains high, making this a classic present-versus-future decision for Boston.
In the hyper-competitive AL East, incremental moves rarely suffice. If the Red Sox truly believe they are one piece away, acquiring CJ Abrams could be the bold step that turns a solid offseason into a transformative one.
