The Boston Red Sox finished last year with an 81-81 record, missing the playoffs for a third straight season.
This offseason, the Red Sox front office ensured the organization wouldn't go down the same road as in years past by acquiring big-time players.
Boston traded for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet and signed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.
The Red Sox weren't done adding to the team; during free agency, the squad signed Houston Astros slugger Alex Bregman.
Boston are gearing up to make a run toward the postseason this year, and New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is noticing.
"I think we started to see an athletic group emerge last year. Thought they really moved the needle from a pitching standpoint and then have obviously only bolstered that this year,” Boone told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
“Getting Alex Bregman here recently, they look like they have a really formidable team. We talk about our division and how tough it is, I certainly feel that way sitting here right now. You can make a case for all five teams.”
It's safe to say the Yankees will not take the Red Sox lightly this season. Given how both teams have improved this year, there could be another postseason to remember for both clubs.