Dombrowski: Red Sox will 'likely do something that is painful'

Eager to get the Boston Red Sox out of the AL East basement, president Dave Dombrowski acknowledges there are likely some tough personnel decisions on the horizon.

Armed with one of the strongest farm systems and a crop of talented young players that have already reached the major-league level, Dombrowski appears prepared to make a bold deal that involves parting with pieces of the future in order to win now.

"We have a lot of players that people are asking about," Dombrowski told reporters. "We have a lot of major-league and minor-league players they ask about.

"Again, at some point we're going to most likely do something that is painful one way or the other. But if you're trying to get quality talent, you're going to have to do that at some point."

Dombrowski left the general manager meetings Thursday, and while he said no deal is imminent, he stated there was more activity at the event than in years past.

"We've had many more conversations at these meetings then we've ever had, that is unequivocal," Dombrowski said. "As far as what comes from here, you never can tell. A lot of times you think you're close and you're knocking on the door and it doesn't happen right away. There's still a long way to go."

Dombrowski added, "We had some more conversations last night and I'm sure we'll follow up on them."

The Red Sox front office has stated numerous times that acquiring pitching is the primary focus this offseason, and they could look to deal from a surplus of position players if they don't fill their needs through free agency.

Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Blake Swihart are names on the major-league roster that are expected to generate interest, while Rafael Devers, Manuel Margot, and Andrew Benintendi could also be in play.