Free agents such as Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg are out of reach for Boston, but there are quality arms that could help the Red Sox.

The team’s approach toward the pitcher could be very telling about how the 2020 roster will be constructed.

Right fielder Mookie Betts can become a free agent after he 2020 season.

J.D. Martinez will be back in a Boston uniform next season, presenting challenges for a new Red Sox front office that has been instructed to cut salary.

Designated hitter J.D. Martinez has decided to remain in Boston. though he can still opt out after each the next two seasons.

Chaim Bloom comes to Boston with rave reviews, but fans will show little patience if the team fails to contend.

Bloom, 36, who worked for the Tampa Bay Rays the past 15 years, replaces Dave Dombrowski.

Keep Martinez or Betts? Maybe both? And cut the payroll. And what about a new starting pitcher, a better bullpen? And what second base? And … and …

Boston needs to bolster its precarious starting rotation in the offseason if it hopes to get back to the playoffs.

Dana LeVangie, a beloved holdover from John Farrell’s staff who helped the Red Sox win a World Series a year ago, will remain with Boston as a pro scout.