Soon after his team's playoff exit at the hands of the Indians, Red Sox honcho of honchos Dave Dombrowski announced that manager John Farrell will return for the 2017 season. That stands to reason, as Farrell guided the team to a World Series win in 2013 and this season led the Sox to a division title in the tough AL East -- home to three 2016 playoff teams.

With that question answered, the attention now shifts to the state of the Boston roster heading into the winter. They're working from a strong baseline, as the Sox this season won 93 games against what was by opponents' average winning percentage the seventh-toughest schedule in baseball. As well, Boston's robust plus-184 run differential means they played, at least at that fundamental level, like a 98-win team. They're good, that is to say.

Offensively, they led the AL in runs scored and OPS and did so by a huge margin on each count. The good news is that almost everyone returns. Obviously, DH David Ortiz will not.

Big Papi is a franchise luminary who was tremendously productive in 2016. He'll be missed in ways his numbers -- his very excellent numbers -- can't fully capture. That said, if you're going to have a void, DH is the one to have, being as it's a non-premium position/role. While the upcoming free agent market is generally a thin one, it includes potential DH solutions like Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Mark Trumbo, Carlos Beltran, and old friend Mike Napoli. Perhaps they sign a first baseman and push Hanley Ramirez to DH. Maybe they mix and match with internal solutions at DH. Don't forget about Blake Swihart and Sam Travis as lineup options, as well.

Elsewhere, the young core of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Xander Bogaerts will return. They'll get a full season from Andrew Benintendi. They have depth at catcher. Dustin Pedroia returns. In 2016, third base was a rare weak spot, but among Brock Holt, Travis Shaw, Yoan Moncada, and the returning Pablo Sandoval, they have enough options to find a workable arrangement without going outside the organization. Moncada of course provides the most long-term upside at the position, and he remains a premium prospect.

In the rotation, Rick Porcello, David Price, Steven Wright, Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz remain under team control for 2017. As well, they have a $13.5 million option on Clay Buchholz should they choose to exercise it. As presently constructed, the Sox don't need to hit the free agent market for starting pitching, but should they do so, depth pieces like Rich Hill, Andrew Cashner, Jeremy Hellickson, Ivan Nova, and Bartolo Colon will be available for hire. Boston's in good shape there, as well.

On the bullpen front, the Red Sox are faced with the potential free agent losses of Koji Uehara, Brad Ziegler, and Junichi Tazawa. Back will be Craig Kimbrel, Robbie Ross, Matt Barnes, and Joe Kelly, who looked especially strong after transitioning to the bullpen. They'll need additional depth, including an option at closer should Kimbrel's pattern of decline continue, but that's no tall order for a club with such immense resources. If Kelly's improvements stick -- he's long been regarded as the kind of pitcher whose stuff would play up in a relief role -- then his presence in the pen over a full season will be a major improvement.

In all, the Sox are facing little major roster turnover outside of the Ortiz retirement, they're working from an exceptionally strong foundation, and there's enough prime and pre-prime performers in key roles -- especially in the lineup -- for this to be sustained. Like any team, the Sox will have some needs to address this winter, but for all the looks of it Farrell will helm one of the best teams in baseball in 2017. Given the possible free agent losses in Toronto, the Red Sox figure to be favorites in the AL East once spring rolls around.