The Boston Red Sox weren't in this insider's top three choices to represent the American League in the World Series.

A 36-year-old pitcher formerly with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays announced his retirement from baseball.

The Boston Red Sox will now have six representatives at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Brayan Bello (Dominican Republic) and Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela) will both play in the WBC, joining teammates Garrett Whitlock (Team USA),

He has been denied insurance to participate in the World Baseball Classic, making him an unlikely member of Puerto Rico’s squad for the March tournament.

∗ Days after their 2025 season ended, the Red Sox publicly identified a front-line starter and more pop for their lineup as their primary offseason needs. Just a little more than a week out from the official start of spring training,

After losing Alex Bregman to the Cubs, could the BoSox acquire a Chicago infielder? Check out MLB Trade Rumors for the latest Boston trade buzz.

What are realistic expectations for Triston Casas and Kristian Campbell this season? That and more reader questions answered in this week's Red Sox mailbag.

While Boston graduated several players last year, the team still has one of the better farm systems in Major League Baseball.

The Red Sox are awaiting word on the status of two players — first baseman Willson Contreras (Venezuela) and outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (Japan) — and both cases are considering pending, a source said.

This story was excerpted from Ian Browne’s Red Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The Boston Red Sox should avoid anything hasty with Brayan Bello.