On a roster filled with short-term free agent additions, veterans making an attempt comebacks, newcomers desirous to show themselves, and gamers making an attempt to dwell as much as huge contracts and the accompanying expectations, there are numerous sorts of key gamers.
There’s Chris Sale and James Paxton, two beginning pitchers of their mid-30s who had been dominant earlier than needing Tommy John surgical procedure in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Both had their comeback makes an attempt derailed by accidents final summer season; can they keep wholesome this time round?
Garrett Whitlock was excellent out of the bullpen his rookie season in 2021, however struggled as a starter in 2022, after which had season-ending hip surgical procedure. Can he change into the full-time beginning pitcher the Red Sox suppose he will be?
Likewise for Tanner Houck, who got here up as a starter, however was relegated to the bullpen final 12 months earlier than season-ending again surgical procedure. Can he settle into a gradual position? Can he get by way of a lineup the third time by way of?
Speaking of the bullpen, can Kenley Jansen lead a revamped reduction core? The 2022 pen was unwatchable, however they’ve gotten an excessive makeover, with the previous Dodgers and Braves nearer entrance and heart.
Masataka Yoshida signed the biggest free-agent contract for a Japanese place participant in MLB historical past. He was next-level nice within the World Baseball Classic, however will he be capable of sustain the out-of-this-world plate self-discipline and hitting prowess of his Japanese profession all through his first main league season?
Brayan Bello might be the very best homegrown beginning pitcher this group has developed in years. He spent the offseason working with Pedro Martinez, who thinks the younger pitcher can comply with in his Cy Young-winning footsteps. That’s excessive reward, and numerous stress.
Triston Casas debuted final September, however retained his rookie eligibility for this season. Will the spectacular younger first baseman be a Rookie of the Year finalist when all is alleged and completed?
Can Reese McGuire and Connor Wong deal with the catching duties, or will the Red Sox remorse parting methods with Christian Vázquez?
Last October, supervisor Alex Cora was fast to call Alex Verdugo because the participant who wanted to take the largest step ahead this season. Will he? He’d like to remain in Boston long-term, as he made clear to possession at spring coaching, however he’ll must make his case on the plate and within the discipline this 12 months.
And after all, there’s Rafael Devers, the slugger who performs ball with a pleasant mixture of childlike marvel and large bat energy. His capacity to strike worry into $300 million pitchers like Gerrit Cole earned him the longest, richest contract in franchise historical past, however there are some huge strings connected to that bag, specifically staff management.
Boston’s prized, beloved third baseman is extra shy than folks notice. He prefers to steer by instance, and forcing him to undertake a unique persona may backfire. Can Devers simply be Devers this 12 months?
Finally, there are the ghosts of gamers previous. This is the primary Red Sox staff with out Xander Bogaerts in a decade. Nathan Eovaldi is gone, so is JD Martinez. Each 12 months brings a brand new staff in that it’s a brand new season, so what occurred earlier than doesn’t rely, and due to this fact, not issues. But this staff is newer than most.
Who will they be, and what can they do?
Source: www.bostonherald.com