Speaking on NESN on Wednesday morning, former Boston Red Sox infielder and current Red Sox broadcaster Lou Merloni spoke about the two biggest priorities for the team moving into 2026: The need for a true No. 2 starter, and the need to get more home run power in the lineup.

With regards to the No. 2 starter, you can read his thoughts and get our take below:

Boston Red Sox Broadcaster Discusses Priority For Team This Offseason, Drops Two Names Speaking on NESN on Wednesday morning, Lou Merloni talked about two pitchers that the Red Sox could pursue this offseason.

As for the power situation, let's examine:

Where were the Red Sox in home runs in 2025?

Boston ranked 15th in home runs this season, hitting 186 as a team.

As of this moment, they are expected to see Alex Bregman opt-out of his contract, which would put them 18 home runs short of that number heading into the rest of the offseason. They also traded away Rafael Devers in June, which impacted their ability in the power department from that point on.

How can the Red Sox improve internally?

Well, first and foremost, a full season of Roman Anthony should help. The No. 1 prospect in baseball at the time of his promotion in June, he has 25-30 home run potential, which would make a big difference.

There's also the chance that Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell can find their power strokes and hit 12-18 home runs or so.

If Masataka Yoshida remains on the roster, he could also hit 12-18 home runs over a full season, as opposed to the four he hit this year in an injury-plagued campaign

How about externally? 

To Merloni's point, Pete Alonso is a free agent and would make a nice addition to the Boston lineup. Triston Casas's injury situation complicates his standing at first base and the team might not be able to resist Alonso's availability. He's hit 34 homers or more in each of his six full seasons in the big leagues, and he also hit 16 during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

If Bregman leaves, the Red Sox could also turn to Eugenio Suarez at third base, who hit 49 home runs between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners this season. Though his average is lacking (.228), he may find more success playing with the Green Monster and could be an intriguing option.

For now

The Red Sox will wait until the end of the World Series to get fully going on the offseason. Free agency begins after the final out. That series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers is tied at two games apiece.