After winning 108 games and the World Series, there’s very little the Red Sox need to do to be the team to beat in the American League. Still, Boston will likely extend as many players as possible, and could use some reinforcements in the bullpen.

Current State: World Series Contender

Red Sox Re-Sign SP Nathan Eovaldi

The Red Sox have resigned starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to a four-year deal worth $68 million. The 28-year-old has had a unique career. After missing all of 2017 after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, Eovaldi broke onto the scene after being traded to the Red Sox at the trade deadline. He put together a 3.33 ERA and a 2.88 FIP in 11 starts with Boston, and had a 1.61 ERA in the playoffs. A big reason for his success was a heavier usage of his cutter, which he threw 32% of the time. The Red Sox clearly found something with that cutter, which makes it reasonable to expect his production to be around the same level it was. Still, there’s a lot of risk in giving someone with a long injury history and with a career ERA of 4.16. The $17 million a year is a lot for Boston, who went over the luxury tax last season and has plenty of players to extend. It’ll be worth it if Eovaldi continues to produce at a  high level, but it’s unclear if this was an investment worth making.

Grade: 7/10

Red Sox Extend Manager Alex Cora

The Red Sox have extended manager Alex Cora through the 2021 season. Cora’s original contract took him through 2020 with an option for 2021 and 2022, but that 2021 season is now fully guaranteed. He’ll also receive a raise in this extension as a reward for leading Boston to a World Series. This is a terrific move by the Red Sox. Cora did an amazing job with the Red Sox all season long, and was nearly flawless in his decision-making throughout the playoffs. He’s dedicated to this team, his terrific in the clubhouse, and constantly puts his team in a position to win. He may already be the best manager in baseball, so it’s a great idea to keep him satisfied with his contract and able to focus 100% on the team. The Red Sox also now have at least one more guaranteed season of having him as their manager, so it works for both sides.

Grade: 10/10

*Will Be Updated With Every Move The Red Sox Make

Stats Courtesy of Baseball Reference, Fangraphs, and Baseball Savant