Just one day before pitchers and catchers were set to kick off spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, Red Sox manager Alex Cora made a bold statement that’s sure to spark debate: ‘This year’s team is more complete than last year’s.’ But here’s where it gets controversial—how can a team that lost key players like Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, and Rob Refsnyder suddenly be more complete? Let’s dive in.
In his first media session of the season, Cora didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. ‘It’s a different roster, a different year,’ he admitted. ‘But I truly believe we’re a more complete team.’ This declaration came just moments after he reflected on the gut-wrenching news of Bregman signing with the Cubs, a moment he described as feeling like ‘the world was falling apart.’ So, how did the Red Sox go from directionless to complete in just over a month? The answer lies in a flurry of offseason moves.
The team signed left-hander Ranger Suárez to a five-year deal and pulled off several trades, including a significant three-for-three swap with the Milwaukee Brewers. That deal brought in Caleb Durbin, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year third runner-up, along with infielders Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seidler, plus a Competitive Balance pick. Yet, as Cora pointed out, being ‘complete’ isn’t just about adding names to the roster—it’s about addressing weaknesses.
And this is the part most people miss: The Red Sox led the league with 116 errors last season, a glaring issue that Cora has been vocal about for years. ‘We’ve talked about defense for seven years,’ he said. ‘We need to be better.’ He believes their early postseason exit last year was partly due to defensive lapses. ‘We paid the price,’ he added. To fix this, Cora emphasized the need for consistency in the infield, particularly at second base—a position that’s been a revolving door since Dustin Pedroia’s heyday a decade ago.
‘Consistency is key,’ Cora stressed. ‘Having the second baseman and shortstop play together as much as possible is crucial. You see it on winning teams.’ Players like Durbin, Marcelo Mayer, and Romy Gonzalez are in the mix for second and third base, but the goal is clear: stabilize the infield to strengthen the defense.
Another area of focus? Seizing scoring opportunities. Last season, the Red Sox created plenty of chances but often failed to capitalize. ‘We can be better,’ Cora said. ‘Situational hitting will be a priority. With our pitching staff and improved defense, we don’t need to score seven runs every game.’
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Can the Red Sox truly be more complete without sluggers like Devers and Bregman? Cora’s response is both pragmatic and optimistic. ‘We’ve got the talent,’ he said. ‘If our pitching and defense come together, we can grind out wins.’
Of course, a lot has to go right. Key players like Roman Anthony and Jarren Duran need to stay healthy and take big steps forward. ‘Willy Abreu healthy could be a game-changer,’ Cora noted. While the team lost some seasoned veterans, Cora believes younger players will step up. ‘We’ll be OK,’ he said. But is ‘OK’ enough to be considered complete?
The jury’s still out. As Cora put it, ‘Now it’s about going out there, working hard, and seeing if the pieces fit.’ With a mix of young talent, versatility, and a revamped pitching staff, the Red Sox are betting on a cohesive unit to achieve their goals.
Here’s the question for you: Do you think the Red Sox are truly more complete this year, or is Cora’s optimism misplaced? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
