The Boston Red Sox still have a long way to go before they can consider themselves World Series contenders.

It may be a harsh dose of reality, but it needs to be said. The Red Sox made a big-time trade last week, bringing in Garrett Crochet to be their new ace, but behind Crochet, the rest of the rotation still looks a bit iffy.

Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito could all give the Red Sox strong seasons if things break right. But in today’s game, things almost never break right, especially with the constant injury risks pitchers are facing.

Should the Red Sox, then, make one more blockbuster trade?

Drew Koch of FanSided recently named the Red Sox as a possible trade destination for Houston Astros two-time All-Star Framber Valdez, who is entering his walk year at age 31. Houston already traded Kyle Tucker this winter, signaling that Valdez is likely available.

“The Boston Red Sox already emptied the farm system to land Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, but the cupboard is not bare,” Koch said.

“Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are probably off limits, but a young shortstop prospect like Franklin Arias —ranked in the top 100 according to MLB Pipeline— could be the headliner of a trade package heading back to Houston. The Astros need to beef up their farm system, and Boston could help facilitate that.”

Valdez is projected to make $18.8 million in arbitration this season (via Spotrac) thanks to his excellent career to this point. He’ll likely command even more than that in free agency for several years to come, so this will be the cheapest opportunity Boston has to get him, even for one year.

This could be Boston’s opportunity to go all-in on the 2025 season. If Houston commands a reasonable price, which they should, considering there’s only one year of control left on Valdez’s deal, they should look at this situation as a true rental.

Sure, there’s potential for an extension if Valdez truly loves pitching in Boston. But why not put some chips on the table for the short term in a wide-open American League?

More MLB: Why Red Sox Insider ‘Would Be Shocked’ If Boston Doesn’t Sign Another Star Free Agent

LOWELL — The Boston Fleet returned from their nine-day break with a win against the Ottawa Charge at Tsongas Center. Both teams lost two of their last three entering Tuesday night’s matchup.

Both teams went into the final 20 minutes of play tied at 2-2, but Hannah Brandt scored the game-winning goal for Boston to give the home team its second straight victory and first win streak of the season.

The first 20 minutes saw a combined 16 shots between both teams but goalies Aerin Frankel and Emerance Maschmeyer stood on their heads for Boston and Ottawa, respectively, to keep the game scoreless.

The second period was a different story with four goals scored.

The game’s first goal came 2:18 into the second period when Jamie Lee Rattray buried her first goal of the season. Ottawa tied things up four minutes later with a goal from Shiann Darkangelo — who began last season with the Fleet before being traded to the Charge — but Boston reclaimed the lead two minutes later thanks to Shay Maloney’s first PWHL goal.

With 3:42 left in the second Aneta Tejralova — who spent a season with the PHF’s Boston Pride — shot one right past Frankel to make it 2-2 as Ottawa tied the game for a second time in the period.

The game remained tied for the first half of the third period until Brandt ripped one past Maschmeyer to give the Fleet their third and final lead of the game with help from a nice pass from Hilary Knight from behind the net.

The Charge went on a crucial power play with about seven minutes left when Sydney Bard was called for boarding in the third period. But the Fleet killed it off thanks to some big saves from Frankel.

Ottawa pulled Maschmeyer in the final two minutes for the extra skater, but Frankel once again stood on her head despite the Charge’s best effort. The Northeastern product stopped 24 of 26 shots in the win.

Boston now has 10 days off and returns to action Dec. 27 against the Toronto Sceptres at Coca-Cola Center.