Craig Breslow Sets Early Initiatives For Pivotal Red Sox Offseason

BOSTON -- Craig Breslow did not get the Red Sox to the playoffs in his first season as the club's chief baseball officer. That's been the case for three years in Boston and Breslow must find a way to push through in Boston.

The Red Sox have plenty of young talent, no question about it. Now, there are roster improvements and balances needed to get Boston to October baseball. Breslow previewed those guidelines at the team's end-of-season press conference on Monday.

"The reality is we shouldn't have to look behind the scenes to determine progress," Breslow said at Fenway Park. "That should be readily demonstrated by the product we put out on the field at Fenway every day."

So, what does Breslow believe the Red Sox need to do for that product to determine progress and success?

"We need to improve our defense," Breslow said. "We can point to a defense at the bottom of the league, especially our infield defense. We had the second most blown saves in the league, so shoring up our bullpen. Obviously, our lineup is pretty imbalanced in terms of being left-handed heavy. Figuring out how to balance that out and take advantage of the short left field wall."

Options for improvements should come in all forms to improve the Red Sox from 2025. There's money off the books and a deep prospect pool to work with. A decisive winter must be in store for Breslow.