There has not been an offseason roller coaster like this for some time.
Take Tuesday, for instance. Multiple teams are interested in Jarren Duran, leading the Red Sox to dig in on their asking price. The Diamondbacks are, indeed, interested in Alex Bregman. Nothing is close regarding a trade of Ketel Marte to the Red Sox.
All facts, and all the impetus for more social media chaos. It's understandable. While the Red Sox have made a few notable trades (Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, Jake Bennett), they join the Rockies as the only teams still without a free-agent signing.
It has all left Red Sox followers thirstier and more reactionary than ever.
Fair.
But a dose of reality is needed here. For starters, things can change in a hurry. White Sox GM Chris Getz said on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast recently that he had basically wiped the Red Sox off his board of potential trade partners for Garrett Crochet the night before the Red Sox actually traded for Garrett Crochet.
While we are still uncertain regarding the team's allocation of all that Rafael Devers' money, the Red Sox do possess essential pieces when it comes to getting things done: They are the envy of many in MLB when it comes to owning MLB-ready starting pitchers, which remains one of the most valuable commodities for most deals.
And, there is time. As Ken Rosenthal points out, only 21 of The Athletic's top 50 free agents have been signed.
But, all of that said, there are warning signs.
Craig Breslow mentioned the need to be able to pivot to the plans after Option A. Here's the thing: If you're the Red Sox, simply make sure you get the prioritized plan and then build your offseason off of that, knowing plenty of pivoting will need to be done.
So, who is Plan A? The educated guess is Alex Bregman. The Red Sox played their market perfectly last season, but that blueprint won't exist this time around. There are just enough additional suitors, and no qualifying offer attached. This will be an example where if the Sox are going to reel the player back in, it will likely be outside their comfort zone. So be it. Let the 2016 words of Dodgers president Andrew Friedman ring: "If you're always rational about every free agent, you will finish third on every free agent."
There can, of course, be a pivot if Bregman doesn't work out. Some that the Red Sox could categorize as Plan A-adjacent.
Marte would seem to be of that ilk, but, according to sources, the Red Sox are (as the moment these words are being written) not coming close to prying the second baseman away from Arizona.
There is also the idea of Bo Bichette.
This is the one that makes so much sense as the alternative to Bregman. It would be much easier for the Red Sox to stomach a long-term free agent contract considering the infielder's age (27), his offensive ability and willingness to transition to another position other than shortstop.
It's so simple: They traded Rafael Devers and replaced him with Bichette.
But ... The idea that this iteration of the Red Sox's front office will win a free agent bidding war with the likes of Toronto doesn't seem realistic. Back in the day, if the Red Sox truly wanted a free agent they were going to make sure they got the player. Daisuke Matsuzaka. Carl Crawford. John Lackey. Hanley Ramirez. Pablo Sandoval. David Price. Basically everybody but Mark Teixeira. Their shock-and-awe tactics left no room for interpretation.
How many times has this happened for the Red Sox involving free agents seeking more than two-year contracts over the past six or so years? Masa Yoshida.
There is some benefit of the doubt stemming from an A-plus offseason last year, but this box still needs to be checked off. The Red Sox have to show they are willing to break from their model and realize that getting foundational players in free agency is a really uncomfortable proposition.
The first test, Pete Alonso, wasn't passed. It's time to resharpen those No. 2 pencils.
There is still time, and pieces are still available to be plucked.
Until then, we wait, guess, and complain while waiting for a true holiday miracle.