Red Sox Face Tricky Offseason Amidst CBA Lockout

The Boston Red Sox are preparing for a complex offseason as the 2026 Major League Baseball season nears its end. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire in December, a lockout is anticipated, adding difficulty to team-building efforts. Despite these challenges, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is expected to pursue aggressive roster improvements.

One significant prediction involves catcher Adley Rutschman, who has one year of team control remaining. The organization holds a strong belief in his potential and sees an extension as a strategic move to secure a star player for years to come. This move would essentially be a major acquisition, even without a free-agent signing.

Another potential move is the departure of pitcher Sonny Gray, who had a strong 2026 season. Gray holds a mutual option and is likely to seek a lucrative free-agent deal, which Boston may not align with its budget, especially with other rotation options available. The team is also rumored to be considering trading outfielder Jarren Duran. If confident in Roman Anthony's readiness, trading Duran could open up the designated hitter spot, allowing Boston to pursue a significant addition at that position.