By Flashnews 
The Boston Red Sox missed the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six years in 2024, and in order to compete in 2025, the team will need to make significant adjustments this winter.
James Paxton, a former Red Sox pitcher, might know what Boston needs to do to regain its reputation. He believes the Sox might get back on track by adding another veteran player.
On the October 25 edition of the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, Paxton stated, “I think they could use another seasoned presence on that team.” “I could see them going out and getting one more big-time star to go out there and give the players some confidence, like ‘hey, we’re going for this, we’re doing it,'” if they want to win a World Series. After Trevor Story missed just eight games due to a shoulder injury, the impact of having a veteran on the Red Sox club was evident.
Boston’s infield defense collapsed after a strong start, and the team finished the season with 115 errors.
The Red Sox need more experienced to compete for the World Series, according to James Paxton.
According to Paxton, the Sox might use a “horse,” which is a seasoned, long-lasting, top-tier starting pitcher. Tanner Houck showed some mid-season instability that a more seasoned pitcher might be able to avoid, but he still proved to be a good top-of-the-rotation option this season and earned a well-earned All-Star selection.
Starting pitching is already on the Red Sox’s offseason radar, but their search for a top starter wasn’t fruitful last year — Lucas Giolito had to miss the entire campaign after he underwent UCL surgery during spring training, and he likely wouldn’t have been an ace anyway based on his performances in 2022-23. Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty and Max Fried will all be available when free agency opens five days after the World Series ends, and Boston should be on the phone with each of them as soon as possible.
Paxton’s assessment of the Red Sox’s needs matches the front office’s findings from 2024. Boston’s management has done a fine job of identifying the team’s deficiencies but a poor job of meeting them the following year.
Hopefully, Red Sox ownership takes Paxton’s advice seriously and bolsters the roster with veterans this winter.