Red Sox Wild Card Collapse, Offseason Uncertainty

The Red Sox finished 89–73 and returned to the postseason for the first time in three years, but their 2025 campaign ended in a Wild Card Series collapse against the New York Yankees. Garrett Crochet emerged as the club’s ace, but the rotation had no reliable No. 2 and October depth evaporated. Boston’s lineup lacked consistent power, suffered defensive lapses and was hampered by injuries to Roman Anthony, Triston Casas and intermittent availability from Alex Bregman, prompting calls for one or two middle-of-the-order impact bats. Alex Bregman is widely expected to opt out of his contract, Trevor Story’s situation also looms, and the front office now has payroll flexibility after trading Rafael Devers, increasing pressure to spend. The team must pursue rotation help behind Crochet and add right-handed power via free agency or trades if it wants to move from playoff participant to genuine contender next season.