Ending a third tragic season without making it to the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox will be watching the playoffs from their couches again this year. The bullpen needs a makeover, the team must continue to find producers on offense, and with some time before spring, the Red Sox as we know it will be looking different. This is a good thing, the franchise is not winning, it is not making the playoffs, so it is time to spruce up Fenway with impactful offseason decisions. With Craig Breslow looking to make a name for himself, will Boston consider 22-year-old Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki for their bullpen?
Red Sox Would Save Money On Sasaki Deal
Being 22 years old Sasaki is subject to certain signing rules which would limit extra pay. Any player over 25 in Japan would be able to have more money offered. So Sasaki comes on sale, young and looking like a smart addition to Boston’s bullpen for around $7 million per year. The Red Sox ownership is always looking to save a buck, this could be the deal of the century if Sasaki plays anywhere near Shohei Ohtani. At this point, John Henry may have some regrets about exiting that deal after watching Ohtani break records and bring in enormous crowds. Henry knows he left money on the table in Japan, fans will be wondering what direction ownership will go.
Sasaki is young and it will be up to the league in Japan to make the final call if he will be able to come to the MLB next season. Things look cloudy right now but it would be in Breslow’s best interest to stay ahead of the Cubs and Dodgers on this off-season. Or any other team for that matter that must have their eye on this prize pitcher. This 2024 season Sasaki has pitched 111 innings with an overall 2.35ERA. Sasaki’s league average over four seasons with Chiba Lotte Marines comes in at an amazing 2.10 ERA. Those are mouth-watering stats for any MLB clubhouse.
Breslow Is Looking To Make Drastic Changes
Red Sox reported front office position cuts for next season, Craig Breslow, their Chief Baseball Officer, has something to prove. In a recent Sports Illustrated article by Colin Keane, “Sasaki would be the acquisition of the offseason for the Red Sox if Breslow found a way to pull off a deal. Not only would Sasaki immediately improve Boston’s rotation, but his arrival would stir up a ton of positive buzz around a team that is struggling to look like a contender to its fan base.
"The signing would also be a badge of honor for Breslow, as it would show that he’s capable of competing with the heaviest hitters on the free agent market and that Boston is once again a force to be reckoned with on that market.”
Breslow could consider other pitchers already in the MLB but this is one opportunity Boston shouldn’t miss to be a part of. The deal would allow Breslow to stay under salary caps and have leftover spending to continue to create a winning roster for the Red Sox. Boston will have an interesting off-season putting the puzzle of their bullpen together and creating a winning team for next season.
In a recent New York Times article, when asked about if the Red Sox would spend this offseason, Breslow replied, “Those conversations are always ongoing. I feel like when opportunities to improve our team exist — and we should be aggressive in trying to find those opportunities — we take them to ownership,” he said. “I think we’re going to have the support to do that. But, it’s kind of premature right now to say exactly what that will look like outside of everyone in this organization is excited about what we believe is going on and happening here.”
Winter Brings Change To Boston
This season in Japan Sasaki has been dealing with some fatigue in his arm. Taking some games off this season to rest, performance longevity is something to consider moving forward. There is a lack of clarity around whether he will be released and come to the MLB or stay in Japan just yet. The Red Sox should keep their ears to the ground and be ready to pounce at any moment for Sasaki, the next hottest pitcher out of Japan.
The Red Sox bullpen needs an over-haul and Breslow will be over-turning every rock this winter. This is his first full year on staff as CBO, and he will be interested in making a name for himself. Although there are other clubhouses where Sasaki would be able to find a home easily, Boston will have to think outside the box on this young star. Breslow and Henry should do everything in their power to solidify the best foot forward come April.
