The Boston Red Sox are heading into the season with a few question marks hanging over their offense, but history shows that seasons can defy expectations. Back in 2010, the Red Sox focused on bolstering their defense with key signings, yet they ended up being one of the top teams in runs scored. This year, the Sox find themselves in a similar situation, trying to figure out their offensive identity.
Adrian Beltré was a standout back in 2010, turning a one-year deal into a Hall of Fame resurgence. The Red Sox might have hoped for a similar impact from Alex Bregman or Rafael Devers, but with Bregman now in Chicago and Devers in San Francisco, the focus shifts to new faces like Marcelo Mayer and Caleb Durbin.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has been busy assembling a strong rotation and adding defensive assets like Durbin and first baseman Willson Contreras. Despite these moves, Breslow acknowledged that a powerful middle-of-the-order bat was a top priority, and the team’s offensive potential remains a question mark.
Preseason projections, like those from ZiPS on FanGraphs, suggest modest power numbers for the team, with no player expected to hit more than 20 home runs. However, it also predicts that players like Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Jarren Duran could surpass former Sox stars in overall value, as measured by fWAR.
Breslow remains optimistic about the team's offensive potential. Roman Anthony, in particular, is seen as a rising star, and Wilyer Abreu has shown power potential despite injury setbacks. Young players like Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Triston Casas could also surprise and contribute significantly.
The Red Sox will rely on veterans like Contreras and Trevor Story, who need to stay healthy and productive. Contreras’s tendency to pull the ball could play well at Fenway, and Durbin’s low strikeout rate is a promising sign. Rafaela has made adjustments to improve his plate discipline, and maintaining that progress will be crucial.
Anthony is expected to be a key figure, but managing his workload will be important as he transitions to the demands of a full MLB season. Manager Alex Cora will need to carefully balance the playing time of Anthony, Abreu, and Rafaela to keep them healthy and effective.
Breslow is open to further offensive additions, and the team has flexibility with its roster. They could trade from their pitching depth or move an outfielder to create opportunities for Masataka Yoshida. Talks for Isaac Paredes could provide another option, adding depth and versatility to the infield.
Ultimately, the Red Sox have time to evaluate and adjust as the season unfolds. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, there’s potential for the offense to exceed expectations, much like it did in 2010. Breslow’s optimism might just be the spark the Sox need to surprise everyone this season.