Red Sox Plan Aggressive Offseason Push for 2026 Contention

The Red Sox returned to postseason play in 2025 for the first time since 2021 but were eliminated in the AL Wild Card round, a result team leaders called a meaningful step forward though short of their goals. Club president Sam Kennedy, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora said they will not be complacent and plan an aggressive offseason to push toward competing for the AL East and a World Series berth in 2026. Breslow emphasized a deliberate, holistic approach that prioritizes upgrades to the pitching staff and continued development of young position players and cautioned against rushed decisions after the playoff exit. Key roster questions heading into the winter include Alex Bregman’s potential opt-out, Trevor Story’s contract situation, and Lucas Giolito’s mutual option after an otherwise strong 2025, and the front office said it will pursue discussions as needed. Building on last winter’s moves that brought core veterans and helped revive the club, Boston says it has the resources and intent to be active again to improve pitching, defense and offense for a deeper postseason run.