The Red Sox are expected to spend $185 million on a pair of all-stars.

The Boston Red Sox, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, are consistently expected to make waves in the free agent market. With their massive payrolls, an aggressive front office, and a dedicated fanbase, the Red Sox have the resources to make significant moves when they see an opportunity to improve their roster. As the 2025 season approaches, it appears that the Red Sox are prepared to spend $185 million on a pair of All-Star players to strengthen their roster and continue their pursuit of championship contention.

This substantial investment in free-agent talent is emblematic of the team’s commitment to winning and building a competitive squad. The decision to sign two high-profile All-Star players for such a large sum will undoubtedly have ripple effects across the team’s performance, payroll, and future plans. In this article, we will explore who these All-Star players might be, the reasoning behind the Red Sox’s decision to spend this amount of money, and what it means for the team moving forward.

The Red Sox’s Current Situation

To fully understand the significance of the Red Sox’s $185 million investment, it’s important to first examine their current situation. After winning the World Series in 2018, the Red Sox have undergone a series of ups and downs. In the years that followed, they faced significant challenges, including issues with pitching depth, injury troubles, and some disappointing performances from key players. As a result, they were unable to consistently compete at the highest level in the American League, falling short of another championship title.

The 2023 and 2024 seasons were particularly challenging, with the Red Sox missing the postseason in both years. In response, the team’s front office, led by General Manager Chaim Bloom, has shifted the focus towards improving the roster through free agency and trades, with an emphasis on rebuilding the team’s core and re-establishing their place among the league’s elite teams.

As of 2025, the Red Sox are sitting in a position where their core players like Rafael Devers, Trevor Story, and Chris Sale have had their ups and downs, and the team is in need of significant upgrades to stay competitive in the American League East. With teams like the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays also in the hunt for playoff spots, the Red Sox understand that significant moves are required to contend for the division title and beyond.

The commitment to spending $185 million on two All-Stars signals the team’s willingness to make bold moves and invest heavily in a path to success. Let’s take a closer look at who these players might be and why the Red Sox are making this financial commitment.

Who Are the All-Star Targets?

While the names of the specific players the Red Sox are targeting have not been definitively confirmed, there are several potential candidates who could fit the description of “All-Star” players and would be worth a significant investment. These players would need to be high-impact talents—either through offensive production, defensive prowess, or both—and capable of immediately elevating the team’s chances of winning.

1. Elite Starting Pitcher: Marcus Stroman or Blake Snell

One area where the Red Sox have struggled in recent years has been starting pitching. Despite having the veteran Chris Sale and the promising Nick Pivetta, the team has lacked consistent, top-tier arms in the rotation. The addition of an elite starting pitcher would be a game-changer for the Red Sox, and two All-Star-caliber free agents on the market in 2025 who fit this description are Marcus Stroman and Blake Snell.

• Marcus Stroman: A veteran right-hander with multiple Gold Gloves to his name, Stroman is known for his groundball-heavy approach and his ability to limit hard contact. He has been consistent for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs in recent years, and has made several All-Star appearances. Stroman’s ability to eat innings, keep hitters off balance, and post solid ERA figures make him an attractive option for a team like the Red Sox looking for stability in their rotation.
• Blake Snell: Another potential target is Blake Snell, a former Cy Young Award winner and one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in the game. Snell’s strikeout stuff and postseason pedigree (particularly his time with the Tampa Bay Rays) make him a potential difference-maker. If Snell continues to be effective in the 2024 season, he could command a large contract and be a key acquisition for the Red Sox to bolster their rotation.

The addition of either of these pitchers would give the Red Sox a legitimate ace at the top of their rotation, allowing them to compete more effectively in the AL East, which features several powerful offenses. Given their need for starting pitching, investing in a high-quality arm would make sense for Boston.

2. All-Star Outfielder: Teoscar Hernández or Cody Bellinger

The Red Sox’s outfield has been one of the more inconsistent aspects of their lineup over the past few seasons. Players like Alex Verdugo and Jarren Duran have shown flashes of potential, but the team has yet to find a true star to anchor their outfield on a regular basis. In 2025, there will be several high-profile outfielders available who could step into a leadership role for the Red Sox.

• Teoscar Hernández: A dynamic right-handed hitter with power and a strong ability to drive in runs, Teoscar Hernández has been one of the better outfielders in the league during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Hernández has been named an All-Star and has a reputation for hitting for both average and power, making him a perfect fit for a team like the Red Sox that needs additional offensive firepower.
• Cody Bellinger: Former MVP Cody Bellinger is another intriguing option. After a down period in his career, Bellinger returned to form with the Chicago Cubs in 2024, earning an All-Star nod. Known for his blend of power and speed, Bellinger’s ability to hit for both average and power could provide the Red Sox with an elite bat in the outfield. His defensive versatility and past success at the highest level (including a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers) make him a potential target for Boston.

Both of these outfielders have the potential to bring stability to the Red Sox’s lineup, providing additional pop while also improving the team’s overall defensive alignment. Adding one of these stars would give Boston the offensive boost they need to compete with the powerhouse teams in their division.

The $185 Million Commitment: What It Means for the Red Sox

The decision to spend $185 million on two All-Star players signals several things about the direction the Red Sox are taking as a franchise. First and foremost, it shows that ownership and the front office are serious about competing for a World Series title in the near future. Given that the AL East is home to several other competitive teams, making a big move to upgrade the roster is critical for the Red Sox’s chances in 2025.

This kind of investment also means that the team is committed to maintaining a high payroll, something that has long been associated with the Red Sox. The team has a history of making big-money signings, such as the deals with David Price and Mookie Betts (before his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers). While the team did cut back on payroll in recent years, the decision to sign two All-Stars for $185 million indicates a return to their aggressive, win-now mentality.

Moreover, this investment in talent has the potential to pay off both on and off the field. By signing two All-Star caliber players, the Red Sox not only enhance their roster but also demonstrate their commitment to their fanbase. This kind of spending also boosts the team’s standing in the AL East, making them a more formidable opponent for their rivals.

The 2025 Outlook: A Renewed Contender

The potential acquisitions of two All-Star players would give the Red Sox a much-needed injection of talent in both their rotation and lineup. With key players like Rafael Devers, Trevor Story, and Xander Bogaerts already in place, the addition of a high-profile pitcher and an impact outfielder would significantly raise the Red Sox’s ceiling for the 2025 season. They would have the necessary pieces to make a serious run at the AL East title and, ultimately, a postseason berth.

On the pitching side, whether it’s adding a workhorse like Marcus Stroman or a strikeout machine like Blake Snell, the Red Sox would have a solidified starting rotation, bolstered by the leadership of veteran arms like Chris Sale. In the outfield, bringing in someone like Teoscar Hernández or Cody Bellinger would add much-needed offensive depth to a team that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency.

If the Red Sox can pair these potential acquisitions with the continued development of young players and the return to form of some key veterans, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the American League in 2025.