The Boston Red Sox are on the brink of making a splash next season, and if they can secure another powerful slugger for the middle of their lineup, they could be a team to watch in 2025.
While the Red Sox are currently hovering around .500, they are not as far from being serious contenders as their record might suggest. Boston boasts a solid core of talented players and an influx of promising prospects on the rise from the minor leagues. The pieces are there, but a few key additions could be the difference between another mediocre season and a return to the playoffs. If Boston manages to add a potent bat to the heart of the lineup along with a frontline starting pitcher, they could surprise a lot of people and make a real run in 2025.
One intriguing option for the Red Sox that has been floated by FanSided’s Austin Owens is Milwaukee Brewers star shortstop Willy Adames. With his power at the plate and ability to drive in runs, Adames could provide a major boost to Boston’s offense. According to Owens, Adames could become a target for the Red Sox if other plans—like a potential Alex Bregman signing—fall through.
“If the Bregman signing doesn’t pan out, Boston could have their eye on the Brewers’ current shortstop, Willy Adames,” Owens suggested. “Adames would make a lot of sense for the Red Sox since Trevor Story has faced his fair share of injuries and hasn’t lived up to expectations.”
Story, who was signed to be the Red Sox’s long-term shortstop, has dealt with a string of injuries that have hindered his performance. If Boston decides they need a more reliable option in the infield, Adames could be a prime candidate. With his impressive offensive numbers—32 home runs and 107 RBIs last season—Adames would immediately provide the kind of pop that Boston’s lineup needs to take pressure off other hitters.
However, fitting Adames into the Red Sox infield is not without complications. From a positional standpoint, adding another shortstop may seem redundant, especially with Trevor Story on the roster. But if Boston were to shift Story to second base, or perhaps move Adames there, the pieces might fit more cleanly. There’s also the question of what to do with infielder Vaughn Grissom, who the Red Sox recently acquired by trading Chris Sale, and top prospect Marcelo Mayer, who’s set to debut in the major leagues as early as 2025.
Mayer, who is currently playing in Triple-A, is considered the future at shortstop for Boston. If Mayer continues his development and reaches his potential, the Red Sox may be less inclined to pursue a high-priced shortstop like Adames. And high-priced he would be—Adames is projected to land a contract in the range of $151 million. For Boston, the question becomes whether they’re willing to commit that kind of money to a position that might be filled internally within a year or two.
Regardless of how things shake out, one thing is clear: the Red Sox are not content with mediocrity. After back-to-back seasons missing the playoffs, Boston is expected to make significant moves in free agency this offseason. The team’s front office, as well as its passionate fanbase, views consecutive playoff misses as unacceptable, and they will be determined to ensure it doesn’t happen again in 2025.
While Willy Adames is just one potential option, Boston is likely to be aggressive in its pursuit of a right-handed bat to solidify its lineup. Whether they land Adames or look elsewhere, the Red Sox are positioning themselves to return to contention and could very well be a sleeper team in the upcoming season.
