1. Which free agents are the Red Sox showing interest in?

A better question would be who aren’t they showing interest in? And the more grammatically-correct question would be, in whom aren’t the Red Sox showing interest?

Anyway, the Red Sox have several irons in the fire, some more heated than others.

“Getting vibe that the Red Sox are approaching Juan Soto situation with the kind of intent we haven’t seen in some time from them,” wrote WEEI’s Rob Bradford on X (formerly Twitter).

Indeed, the Sox went out to southern California last week for a three-hour meeting with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. However, for any folks jumping the gun out there, it was more of an opening salvo or informational interview than anything else. No terms were discussed, much less formal offers, and the competition is fierce: Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, to name a few.

The Red Sox expect to sign at least one free agent to a long-term deal, which would mark a significant pivot from the last several offseasons. Trevor Story is their only external signing in excess of $100 million these last five years. His is also one of only four free-agent contracts longer than two years since David Price signed for seven years in 2015.

They’re also in touch with free agent left-hander Max Fried’s camp, and eyeing fellow southpaw Blake Snell, who recently opted out of the second year of his San Francisco Giants contract.

The Red Sox weren’t able to sign Teoscar Hernandez last offseason, as he chose to take the Dodgers’ offer instead – a wise choice, as he’ll get a World Series ring – but are considering him again as they look for more right-handed power to balance their lineup.

I’ve found myself surprised by Red Sox tidbits and rumors more often than not lately, because I’m no longer used to them going after these big fish. Remember when that was expected of them?

2. Does Soto fit the Red Sox roster?

Technically, Soto fits any roster, because he’s one of the best players in the game, and therefore, an upgrade to any team.

For the Red Sox, however, a potential Soto signing would necessitate more roster work than, say, a free agent starting pitcher. Even with Tyler O’Neill becoming a free agent, the outfield is crowded with Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. In order to sign Soto, the Red Sox would need to trade an everyday outfielder. Duran and Abreu are the likeliest candidates, as the Sox inked Rafaela to a very affordable long-term extension last spring.

Which isn’t to say that I’m against signing Soto. Simply that pitching is a more pressing need.

3. A Nathan Eovaldi-Red Sox reunion?

The Red Sox and Braves are among a dozen or so teams who’ve been in touch with Nathan Eovaldi’s camp since the veteran right-hander declined his $20 million Rangers player option.

While ‘Nasty Nate’ was a fan favorite and well-respected member of the clubhouse over his five years in Boston, a left-hander would bring some much-needed variation to Boston’s righties-only rotation.

4. Will Nick Pivetta accept his qualifying offer from the Red Sox?

While the $21.05 million price tag initially made the one-year offer seem like an automatic ‘Yes’ for a pitcher who just made $7.5 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, the free-agent market is looking significantly more lucrative and secure.

Players have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to accept or decline a qualifying offer.

5. Will this Red Sox qualifying offer gamble pay off?

It could take years to answer this one, as it hinges on several unknowable factors. First, Pivetta would have to reject the QO and sign with another team. Then, the Red Sox would need to draft well and wait for their selection to pan out, while also seeing how the rest of Pivetta’s career plays out.

But it’s working out quite well so far with Kristian Campbell, whom Boston selected with the compensatory pick they received after Xander Bogaerts declined his QO and signed with the Padres in 2022. Baseball America currently ranks Campbell as the No. 3 Red Sox prospect and No. 24 overall.

6. Can the Celtics hand the Cavaliers their first loss of the season?

There haven’t been many easy wins for the reigning champs lately, and Tuesday night will be no different. The first-place Cleveland Cavaliers are 15-0. The Celtics’ 11-3 record may be second-best in the Eastern Conference, it feels like they should have at least one more game in the loss column.

Payton Pritchard being listed as ‘Questionable’ due to a left-thumb sprain won’t help matters, either.

7. If you could go back in time and watch any Red Sox moment in history, what would it be?

It was David Ortiz’s birthday on Monday, so obviously, I went on YouTube and watched some of his greatest hits, literally.

If you could be present for a great game or singular Red Sox moment in history, which one would you choose? Or, if you were present for such an event, what was it? My inbox awaits your answers.