One trade and free agent signing the Red Sox must try to make happen to be World Series contenders in 2026

The Boston Red Sox have laid out a bunch of things that they need to do this offseason, but there are two things at the top of the list they need to do in order to sniff another World Series. 

Right now, the Sox truly have one ace in their rotation. Garrett Crochet. They need a second ace, just like they did in 2004 with Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. They also need more pop in their bats, as they were just in 15th place when it came to hitting the ball out of the park. One trade and a free agent signing could be the two things that solve their two problems. 

MORE: Three big takeaways from the Red Sox' end of season press conference with Alex Cora, Craig Breslow, Sam Kennedy

Here is a trade and a free agent signing the Sox must make to contend for their tenth World Series win:

Trade for: Minnesota Twins RHP Joe Ryan 

Seems pretty obvious, right? The Sox wanted him badly at the deadline, only to end up inches short of a deal. With a strong pre-trade deadline performance, posting a 2.82 ERA, 137 Ks, and a record of 10-5, he would be an amazing second ace. 

Sure, his end ERA was around 3.4, but that’s due to getting blown up four times after the deadline. It also helps the Sox because it lowers his value, but they know deep down his pre-deadline self is the one they’re getting.

MORE: Three things the Red Sox must do this offseason in order to be World Series contenders in 2026

Sign: New York Mets 1B Pete Alonso or Philadelphia Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber 

There are two options here due to one person: Triston Casas. If the Sox want to keep the Casas experiment going for at least one more year, it makes sense to try and move Masataka Yoshida for Schwarber. If not, then the Sox replace Casas with Alonso.

Either way, they solve their homer problem. Both of them blasted 40+ homers this season and had over 125 RBI. If the Sox could land both, that would be insane. But landing one would definitely be good enough.

MORE BOSTON RED SOX NEWS

Red Sox' president makes huge statement prior to Alex Bregman's potential free agency

Red Sox get positive update regarding superstar Trevor Story's decision to possibly opt out

Red Sox superstars weigh in on Alex Bregman's free agency: "Where he ends up, I hope it’s with us"