And Boston’s improvement didn’t go unnoticed by ESPN, who released its final offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams.

The Red Sox received an “A” grade from the network — up from a B- in ESPN’s previous grades.

“The Red Sox get bumped up from a B- in our previous mid-offseason edition after signing (Alex) Bregman in mid-February, even if that’s creating some positional awkwardness as Rafael Devers said he doesn’t want to move from third base to a DH role,” David Schoenfield wrote. “Bregman, to his credit, said ‘I’ll play wherever.’ The former college shortstop should be able to handle a transition to second base — except moving from third to second is an extremely rare positional change and it would also block Kristian Campbell, ESPN’s No. 26 overall prospect. But Campbell has also played some outfield and might not be a lock to remain at second base anyway. Plus, he probably needs a little more time in the minors.”

“All that said, having too many good players is a good problem to have and Alex Cora should be able to manage the Devers situation,” he continued. “Bottom line: The Red Sox added two stars, and if (Walker) Buehler can find his old form, they have a chance to contend for an American League East title they haven’t won since 2018.”

The Red Sox have a good roster on paper and also have a lot of reason for optimism in the future. Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Campbell are knocking on the door of an MLB debut.

Even with early controversy surrounding Devers and him not wanting to move off third base to be Boston’s designated hitter, the Red Sox have a team that has a good mix of veterans and young players that are hungry to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2021.