The Boston Red Sox should be optimistic entering 2025.
They have a new frontline starter. Their top prospects should be ready to make their debuts. A few more moves this winter should have the Red Sox back in the playoff conversation.
Here's four presents Red Sox Nation will be wishing for under the tree this Christmas before the 2025 season.
PLAYOFF BASEBALL
The Red Sox have not played postseason baseball since 2021 when they made an unexpected run through the American League and finished just two wins shy of a trip to the World Series.
The Boston fanbase had to wait three years while the team watched its next core make its way to the MLB level. This offseason should still have more moves in store and the right transactions in roster construction should allow the Red Sox to make their postseason return in 2025.
CY YOUNG CAMPAIGN
Garrett Crochet comes to Boston after a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox. The last time the Red Sox dealt for an impact left-handed starter from the White Sox, Chris Sale dominated hitters to the tune of 308 strikeouts in 2017 as a Cy Young Award contender.
Crochet certainly has the stuff to make the jump into that conversation in 2025, similar to how Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal does in 2024. Crochet struck out nearly 13 hitters per nine innings in 32 starts last season with elite stuff and presence on the mound. Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey could take him to another level in 2025, which marks an exciting possibility for the rotation.
HEALTHY STARS
Boston could greatly benefit in 2025 if two stars who missed plenty of time in 2024 can stay on the field.
Triston Casas and Trevor Story combined to play just 89 games and each have significant roles in Boston's success. Casas is another power bat in the middle of the lineup paired with Rafael Devers while Trevor Story makes the entire infield better defensively with an elite glove at shortstop.
Having those two players back on the field consistently should have a significant impact for the Red Sox in 2025.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The Red Sox have to find a way to take advantage of Fenway Park in 2025. Boston finished under .500 at home in three of the last five seasons.
If Boston wants the first gift on this list of playoff baseball, wins at home and against the American League East have to come first.