Red Sox Executive Addresses ‘Risk-Taking’ Approach To Offseason

The Boston Red Sox have a handful of tough decisions to make this offseason as the organization works to steer the team toward greener pastures after missing postseason contention for the third consecutive time in 2024.

Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, who’s experienced first-hand the franchise’s ups and downs, understands the current state of the club. Boston had its chance to compete for the American League wild-card coming out of the MLB All-Star break, but the team’s league-worst defense (115 errors) and inconsistent bullpen — which blew more saves than anyone else in the second half — dragged the Red Sox once again. Kennedy understands moving forward there’s only one option to get back on track: improve.

“In terms of risk-taking, being bold and being creative and aggressive, I’ve had many, many conversations with (Craig Breslow) and (Alex Cora) and John Henry and Tom Werner and Mike Gordon the last couple of weeks,” Kennedy told NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast. “And the consistent theme, especially from John, has been building blocks. The building blocks are here and we need to take advantage of that. That’s what makes it exciting. I think that factored into Alex’s decision, (Breslow) aggressively pursuing an extension with him. I’m not sure there was any amount of money that would’ve resonated with Alex if he didn’t feel like this organization wasn’t in a position to win. … I don’t think Craig Breslow would’ve come here if he hadn’t had thought we were gonna be in a position to win more World Series championships.”

Boston watched outfielder Jarren Duran and pitcher Tanner Houck emerge into first-time All-Stars while rookies Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu submitted convincing bids at the AL Rookie of the Year award. But without consistency and reliability to the defense, bullpen and timely hitting, the Red Sox collided with a humbling 11-15 stretch in September, which leaves Kennedy and company with plenty to consider before returning to action in 2025.

Watch the full episode of NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast here: