Red Sox Weigh Offensive Upgrades for 2027
On October 31, Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras said the team needs more offense, while Luis Robert Jr. emerged as a possible offseason option.
On October 31, the Boston Red Sox faced an offseason question: how to strengthen a lineup that fell short in the playoffs. First baseman Willson Contreras said the club needs more offense after Boston was outscored 18-2 in two Wild Card Series games against the New York Yankees.
Contreras led the Red Sox with 27 home runs, 81 RBIs, a .386 on-base percentage and a .516 slugging percentage. Boston finished 26th in home runs with 163, 23rd in runs with 689 and 22nd in RBIs with 658.
One potential addition is Luis Robert Jr., whose 2027 option is expected to be declined by the Baltimore Orioles, making him a likely free agent. The 29-year-old played 61 games in 2026, and injuries have limited his availability since his 2023 breakout, when he hit 38 home runs and stole 20 bases. He also stole 33 bases in 110 games in 2025.
Boston could consider Robert as a designated hitter, particularly if it trades outfielder Jarren Duran. Robert can also play defense in the outfield, and his expected cost is lower than that of potential alternatives Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki.
The Red Sox will also look for more from young outfielder Roman Anthony and deadline additions Curtis Mead and Adley Rutschman. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may have a narrow window to act before a likely MLB lockout begins December 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires.