Over the Monster
But Can He Pitch?
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$58 million isn’t much money, but the Red Sox are still taking a risk in signing Jake Bauers
The Red Sox inked Jake Bauers to a four‑year, $58 million deal and forfeited a second‑round pick, sparking debate over the signing’s true risk. While Bauers exploded in 2026, his eight‑year career has never matched that production, and the team passed on alternatives like Seiya Suzuki and even Pete Alonso. The author argues the real danger isn’t the contract size but the roster spot and potential lack of defensive value, warning that Bauers could cost Boston wins if his breakout proves unsustainable.
Will the Red Sox target Brewers free agent slugger Jake Bauers this offseason?
The latest "Smash or Pass" installment asks whether the Boston Red Sox should chase Brewers’ free‑agent Jake Bauers. Bauers, the 2026 NLCS MVP, posted a breakout season with a .266/.389/.484 line, 26 homers, 94 walks and a 140 OPS+ over 144 games. His patient approach sparked key moments in the postseason, including a 12‑pitch walk that tired Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a go‑ahead two‑run homer off Blake Snell. The piece argues Bauers could lead Boston in OBP and add power, but notes his near‑retirement in 2024 raises questions about the durability of his recent swing changes. The article weighs the upside of lengthening innings against the risk that his resurgence may be fleeting.
Is Brandon Lowe the answer for the Red Sox at second base?
The article evaluates whether the Red Sox should target Brandon Lowe for second base in 2027. Lowe posted a career‑year in 2026 with a .260 average, .824 OPS, 30+ homers, 150 games, 5.1 WAR and a dramatic defensive turnaround (+13 runs vs. -14 the year before). While his bat is solid and his defense surged, his health history, inconsistent defensive metrics and poor postseason track record (.115 average, .423 OPS) raise concerns, especially as players often decline after 32. Contract expectations vary wildly, from a five‑year, $150 M deal to half that, plus a qualifying offer that costs draft capital.
Red Sox News & Links: Breslow actively shopping Jarren Duran at GM Meetings
Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow intensifies efforts to trade outfielder Jarren Duran, with a National League executive confirming the player is "very available." Duran's inconsistent production and contract situation complicate his value, and any return may be modest. Breslow stresses the need for more consistent offense and highlights internal power sources like Willson Contreras, Curtis Mead, and Adley Rutschman. He also discusses Triston Casas' upcoming winter league stint and a comprehensive review of the team's medical procedures after recent injury concerns.
Radically rethinking the MLB playoffs: The logistics of turning the postseason into a pennant race
The author proposes overhauling the MLB postseason by turning the final eight teams into a 21‑game “mini‑pennant race” where each team plays every other in three‑game series, ending with the top two records advancing to the World Series. Using the 2026 lineup (Dodgers, Brewers, Rays, Guardians, plus Yankees, Astros, Braves, Padres and a Red Sox wildcard twist), the mock schedule shows daily games, deeper rotations, and more offensive action, while highlighting travel as the biggest logistical hurdle. The piece outlines the concept’s potential to boost excitement and restore regular‑season relevance.
Chad Tracy finishes third in AL Manager of the Year race
Chad Tracy finishes third in the American League Manager of the Year voting, behind White Sox skipper Will Venable and Rays manager Kevin Cash. The Over the Monster piece critiques the award’s relevance, noting that voters favor surprise playoff teams—Boston was expected to contend, while Chicago and Tampa Bay were not. Tracy, who took over the Red Sox mid‑season after a World Series‑winning coach, faced a daunting task, yet his efforts earned a respectable third place. The article ends with a tongue‑in‑cheek call for more newsworthy moments from the Red Sox front office.
Is free agent Seiya Suzuki a good fit for the Red Sox this offseason?
The article evaluates whether free‑agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki could give the Red Sox the power they lack. Suzuki, a 32‑year‑old former NPB star now with the Cubs, posted a .270/.368/.473 line with 26 homers, 86 RBIs and a .841 OPS over 634 PA in 2026, ranking 17th in WRC+ (128) since 2022. His road OPS (.828) exceeds his home OPS despite playing half his games at the pitcher‑friendly Wrigley Field, and he contributed 14 defensive runs saved. The piece argues his right‑handed pop would translate well to Fenway’s shorter left‑field fence, addressing Boston’s 20th‑best slugging percentage and low home‑run totals.
Payton Tolle finishes third in AL Rookie of the Year vote behind winner Kevin McGonigle
Payton Tolle finishes third in the 2026 AL Rookie of the Year race as Kevin McGonigle clinches the award with a league‑leading 7.1 bWAR, surpassing stars like Yordan Alvarez and Bobby Witt Jr. Tolle made history for the Red Sox as the youngest pitcher since Dennis Eckersley to log four 6‑plus‑inning starts without allowing a run and posted a unique 28% strikeout‑to‑7% walk rate over 140+ innings. Despite his stellar debut, McGonigle’s overall dominance and higher bWAR made the voting a formality. The article notes the Red Sox’s pitching staff limited McGonigle to a .238/.273/.286 OPS in five meetings and hints at a possible Tolle‑McGonigle showdown next season.
How the looming lockout might affect the Red Sox offseason plans
A looming MLB lockout, triggered by the current CBA expiring on Nov. 30, could upend the Boston Red Sox’s offseason strategy. With offseason business frozen, the team must weigh potential luxury‑tax tweaks or a salary cap, contract lengths, and financial flexibility before committing to big free‑agency deals. Analyst Craig Breslow may favor cautious, margin‑based moves rather than splurging on marquee players, especially given recent payroll constraints. The lockout also limits player‑team communication, pushing the Red Sox to favor seasoned veterans over developmental projects if the work stoppage drags into February.
Red Sox News & Links: Craig Breslow needs to beef up the front office
Craig Breslow admits the Red Sox front office has critical gaps as the General Manager spot stays vacant and assistants Paul Toboni and Taylor Smith have left. Breslow says hiring talented executives is an offseason priority to improve the 2027 roster, even as the team seeks a power bat and pitching depth. Meanwhile, longtime staffer Dana LeVangie departs for the Royals, and rookie pitcher Payton Tolle, praised by CC Sabathia, is a Rookie of the Year finalist despite stiff competition. The Sox are expected to chase a back‑end starter and possibly a swing‑and‑miss right‑hander, while reliever Zack Kelly is released after clearing waivers.
How to play in-5 Trivia on the SB Nation app
The Over the Monster blog announces the launch of the daily in-5 trivia game on the SB Nation app, where fans have five clues to name a former baseball player. The game, already on the website, now offers MLB, NBA, NFL, MMA, and pro‑wrestling versions, plus 25 team‑specific challenges. To join, follow the “MLB” community on the app, guess the player, and post your score in the comments to compare with others. The post includes a throw‑back photo of Casey Affleck at a 2017 Red Sox‑Cardinals game, highlighting the site's sports community vibe.
Was Mickey Gasper’s incredible August a fluke, or will he contribute to the 2027 Red Sox?
Mickey Gasper’s August 2026 was a statistical marvel that sparked debate about his future impact on the Red Sox. After being recalled from Triple‑A on August 17, he hit six homers in 12 games, posting a .400/.571/.1 100 slash line and a peak OPS of 1.827. Highlights include a first‑inning homer against Seattle, a three‑run blast versus the Diamondbacks, and a two‑homer game in Miami that powered a 7‑3 win. Despite a brief demotion and a 16‑1 loss to the Yankees, Gasper walked ten times and struck out only twice in the month. The piece asks whether this hot streak is a fluke or a sign of a lasting role in Boston’s 2027 roster.
Take Your Pick: 2027 Red Sox Shortstop
OverTheMonster’s Matt Gross narrows the Red Sox’s 2027 shortstop options to four candidates. incumbent Trevor Story struggled in 2026, posting a .235/.271/.351 line and slipping defensively, while Triple‑A hot‑shot Franklin Arias dazzled with a .323/.400/.557 slash line and 25 homers. Outsiders Elly De La Cruz impressed with a 30‑30 season, strong arm and +7 OAA, though Boston must weigh trade cost and future arbitration. Former trade‑partner C.J. Abrams offers power and speed but posted poor defense. The piece weighs talent, fit, and financial risk.
Red Sox News & Links: Will the Sox trade Franklin Arias this offseason?
The Red Sox face looming trade questions around shortstop prospect Franklin Arias, who has dominated AAA but may become a bargaining chip despite some executives deeming him "almost untouchable." Boston Globe’s Alex Speier says a deal would require a star with multiple years of control, while MLB.com’s Ian Browne doubts a big trade, noting chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom may favor free‑agency moves, eyeing players like Randy Arozarena. Meanwhile, the club hopes injured outfielder Roman Anthony rebounds, and highlights recent Silver Slugger finalists Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu. The Sox also bolstered their staff by adding former AAA manager Shelley Duncan.
The July 2026 Red Sox were never out of the game… even when fans were
On July 12, 2026, the Boston Red Sox staged an unlikely comeback to beat the New York Mets at Citi Field, snapping an eight‑game winning streak and sparking a memorable mid‑season turnaround. After falling behind early against Mets left‑hander Zac Thornton, the Red Sox rallied in the eighth inning when interim manager Andy Green brought in Luke Weaver, fueling a dramatic rally that overturned a 2‑0 deficit. Highlights include Payton Tolle’s strikeout of Juan Soto, Brayan Bello’s relief work, and a crucial RBI double by Francisco Lindor before the comeback. The article reflects on the game’s place in a season of highs and lows and compares the fan’s missed moments to a similar NFL parody, underscoring how the Red Sox never gave up.
Why are the Red Sox connected to so many shortstops in trade rumors?
Since the Red Sox’s World Series win, trade chatter has fixated on shortstop upgrades. Rumors surfaced on Oct. 31 about Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz, followed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Jim Bowden touting CJ Abrams and De La Cruz as early‑November targets. Recent show‑time on the Felger & Mazz show introduced Otto Lopez, with former deadline interest noted by Jeff Passan. The author argues the real answer lies in Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias, the No. 2 shortstop prospect in baseball, who posted a .952 OPS in Double‑A Portland and .894 OPS in Worcester—well above peers like Marcelo Mayer. The piece questions why the Sox haven’t pursued Arias despite a glaring need at shortstop.
Red Sox Roster Problem or Solution: Caleb Durbin
Boston’s offseason gamble of swapping Alex Bregman for utility depth landed them with Gold‑Glove third‑baseman Caleb Durbin. After a rocky start to 2026, Durbin surged in June (.326/.359/.605, 6 HR) before slipping again, leaving his role in doubt. Contracted through 2031 and posting an OPS+ of 101, he offers value versus pricey partners like Trevor Story and Masataka Yoshida, and beats free‑agent options such as Eugenio Suárez. The article weighs his inconsistency against potential overseas adds (Roh, Sato) and outlines best‑ and worst‑case scenarios for the Red Sox’s third‑base future.
Does the Brewers bullpen provide a blueprint for the Red Sox?
The article argues that the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2026 postseason success hinged more on their bullpen than their contact‑heavy offense. Opposing hitters slashed to a .173 average and struck out 33% against the relievers, resulting in a sub‑1.00 ERA over 48 innings in seven comeback wins. The piece suggests front offices should emulate this model—stocking dominant relievers and leveraging extra off‑days for rested arms—to dominate in the modern playoff format. It also draws a parallel to the Red Sox’s June‑August stretch, where rested pitchers helped fuel a 32‑5 run before fatigue set in.
Red Sox News & Links: Sox trade Eduardo Rivera to Cardinals, DFA Zack Kelly
The Red Sox trim their roster to 40, DFA‑ing reliever Zack Kelly and trading Eduardo Rivera to the Cardinals for 18‑year‑old prospect Juan Carlos García. Kelly, a hard‑throwing arm with a 104 ERA+, lost out to Raymond Burgos, while Rivera, who struggled to replicate AAA success, heads to St. Louis. Boston secures Garrett Whitlock with a one‑year option, bolstering a bullpen that already features Aroldis Chapman. Offseason focus shifts to offense, as Willson Contreras urges Craig Breslow to act. Red Sox finalists Payton Tolle (AL ROY) and manager Chad Tracy also make headlines.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: Brayan Bello fell back in love with the game
After a disastrous start to the 2026 season, including a six‑run first inning against Baltimore on June 4 that pushed his ERA to 6.34, right‑hander Brayan Bello was sent down to Worcester to “fall in love with baseball again.” The minor‑league stint sparked a turnaround: from July 12 to August 29 he allowed just eight earned runs in 33.2 innings, cut his walk rate, and boosted his strikeout velocity. Bello capped the comeback with a dominant 8‑inning, 1‑ER, 11‑strikeout performance against the Yankees on September 19, tying a career high and positioning himself as a potential ALDS starter for the Red Sox. The article chronicles his struggle, demotion, and resurgence.
As MLB free agency begins today, here’s a look at the 2026-2027 MLB Offseason Calendar
Free agency kicks off today at 5 p.m., ending the Red Sox’s exclusive negotiation window and opening the market. Only three 2026 Red Sox—Sonny Gray, Patrick Sandoval and Isiah Kiner‑Falefa—enter free agency, with Gray expected to reject his qualifying offer. The offseason calendar includes GM meetings in Las Vegas (Nov 9‑12), Rule 5 protection and qualifying‑offer deadlines (Nov 17), owners’ meetings (Nov 17‑19), and a non‑tender deadline (Nov 20) affecting a long list of arbitration‑eligible players such as Adley Rutschman and Jarren Duran. The collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec 1, triggering a likely lockout that could cancel the winter meetings, draft lottery, Rule 5 draft and even delay spring training.
Red Sox trio of Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Caleb Durbin take home Gold Gloves
Boston’s defensive trio—outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, infielder Wilyer Abreu, and rookie Caleb Durbin—each earn a 2026 Gold Glove, with Durbin’s being his first and Rafaela’s and Abreu’s marking consecutive wins. Abreu’s three career Gold Gloves place him just five behind the Red Sox all‑time leader at his position (hint: the record holder shares his spot). The piece also previews the upcoming American League Platinum Glove, noting its fan‑vote system and the evolving credibility of Gold Glove voting since 2013.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: Roman Anthony’s stunning, game-tying, table-setting slide into home
On August 30, 2026, both Roman Anthony and Trevor Story returned from long‑term injuries and sparked a 16‑1 loss to the Yankees with solid hits. The next night at Fenway, Anthony’s flawless slide into home tied the game against the Seattle Mariners, setting the stage for Story’s walk‑off single that gave Boston the win. The piece highlights Anthony’s triple, sacrifice‑fly run and his ballet‑like slide that out‑maneuvered Cal Raleigh, arguing it marked the turning point for a red‑hot Sox season as the duo went 4‑for‑8 in their first two games back.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: The Jedixson Paez Game
On September 1, 2026, Boston Red Sox rookie Jedixson Paez was pulled after 3 2⁄3 innings as the Mariners built an 8‑1 lead, a loss that symbolized the Sox’s faltering September. Despite a strong early season – including a 32‑5 run‑scoring streak and a 37‑game run against the Yankees – the team entered the final month four games behind New York, needing a surge to clinch a home playoff spot for the first time since 2021. Paez’s line (3.2 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 2 HR) highlighted the bullpen’s resilience, limiting the damage to a 9‑6 defeat. The article reflects on the game’s morale impact and Paez’s later redemption in a five‑inning relief win, framing the start as a microcosm of the Sox’s uneven September.
What is the spookiest moment in MLB History?
On Halloween 2017, Dodgers fans in costume filled Dodger Stadium for Game 6 of the World Series, sparking a nostalgic look at baseball’s creepiest moments. The post highlights Albert Belle’s 1995 trick‑or‑treat incident, his corked‑bat scandal, Randy Johnson’s accidental bird kill, a black cat disrupting a 1969 Cubs‑Mets game, and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that halted the A’s‑Giants World Series. It also recalls eerie Red Sox highlights like David Ortiz’s bullpen phone smash and Curt Schilling’s ‘Bloody Sock.’ The author asks readers to share their own spooky MLB memories.
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