When Jose Abreu signed with the Houston Astros, the Boston Red Sox found out they would not be acquiring their top offseason target. Reports indicate that the red Sox planned to sign the former MVP and install him as their first baseman or designated hitter in 2023. Instead, they are left without a big upgrade and will have to hope they can re-sign their own free agents.No team in the MLB had as disappointing a season as the Boston Red Sox in 2022. They were supposed to compete against the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East crown. Instead, they finished under .500 and in last place in the AL East. Now, their offseason has picked up right where their regular season left off.Jon Heyman was the first to report that Abreu was the Red Sox's top target.Jon Heyman@JonHeymanJose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.1662119Jose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.This has become a troubling trend for the Red Sox, and their fans are fed up. They seem to constantly be contenders to sign big-name free agents, but are never able to seal the deal. Coming up just short in free agency so consistently has repercussions that could affect a franchise for years.Boston Sports News@allbossprtsnewsRed Sox are a freaking joke nobody wants to go there and ownership doesn’t want to pony up the money! twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…Jon Heyman@JonHeymanJose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.16761Jose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.Red Sox are a freaking joke nobody wants to go there and ownership doesn’t want to pony up the money! twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…Big Ron@RonsWorld23We are a complete clown show since Dombrowski was canned. Fuck this team twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…Jon Heyman@JonHeymanJose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.1120Jose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.We are a complete clown show since Dombrowski was canned. Fuck this team twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…Your Favorite Jack@Jsher97Astros had more initiative to improve a team that literally just won the championship than the Red Sox did to improve a last place team. Chaim Bloom is a joke. twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…Jon Heyman@JonHeymanJose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.21Jose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.Astros had more initiative to improve a team that literally just won the championship than the Red Sox did to improve a last place team. Chaim Bloom is a joke. twitter.com/jonheyman/stat…The Boston Red Sox used to be a premiere destination in the MLB, but those times seem to be over. They are still one of the most historic teams in the country, but can't seem to add enough from free agency. Player development can go a long way, but it needs to be used in conjunction with free agency. One without the other will not produce ideal results.BALLCAP Sports@JimRileyLive@JonHeyman Bloom can’t close9@JonHeyman Bloom can’t closeFoolish Baseball@FoolishBB@JonHeyman Wenger almost signed him1191@JonHeyman Wenger almost signed himEvelyn Halpert@ChavieHalpert@JonHeyman Almost doesn’t count@JonHeyman Almost doesn’t countThe Boston Red Sox also have to be concerned about their own free agents. Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers have hit free agency at the same time, and the Red Sox would love to re-sign both. They are arguably the two top players on the team and their loss would certainly be felt.Nick Fichtner@nicky_numbers@JonHeyman Another lowball offer for a supposed No. 1 target that they had 'strong interest' in...Chaim Bloom special right there folks142@JonHeyman Another lowball offer for a supposed No. 1 target that they had 'strong interest' in...Chaim Bloom special right there folksLex McDeuce@StartMcBride@JonHeyman Classic Boston move3@JonHeyman Classic Boston moveBill Leach@BillLeach15@JonHeyman As a Red Sox fan it’s terrifying to me that their number 1 target was going to be 36 when the season starts. I can’t wait for the Red Sox to just be a more mediocre version of the Rays.@JonHeyman As a Red Sox fan it’s terrifying to me that their number 1 target was going to be 36 when the season starts. I can’t wait for the Red Sox to just be a more mediocre version of the Rays.The Red Sox have a lot of work to do before Opening Day 2023, and hopefully it will include some free agent signings.The Boston Red Sox need to at least show improvement next seasonBoston Red Sox v Seattle MarinersThe bottom of the standings is not a place the Red Sox or their fans are accustomed to being. They are a proud franchise with a rich history and will certainly do everything to avoid repeating that fate next season.If the Red Sox aren't able to make a splash signing soon, they might miss out on their opportunity.