MLB honored the American League’s top hitters on Friday, and the Red Sox were shut out for the second straight year.

Dating back to the regular season, Red Sox decision-makers were optimistic he’d be back, though a weak free agent shortstop class (Bo Bichette and Ha-Seong Kim are the headliners) was seen as a complicating factor.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas posted a cryptic message alongside an at-bat photo after missing much of the 2025 season due to a left patellar tendon rupture in the spring.

The Herald’s Red Sox offseason tracker, your one-stop shop for key dates, roster moves, transactions and news, is live!

Also Monday, Padres closer Robert Suarez opted out of his contract, per Heyman. Suarez led the NL with 40 saves this year and was an All-Star in 2024 and 2025. He had two years, $16 million left on his deal but will seek a higher average annual value this winter.

Will the Red Sox trade for a No. 2 starter? Sign a big bat like Kyle Schwarber? As the offseason officially begins, here are bold predictions from MassLive's Red Sox writers.