The Boston Red Sox were attached to multiple veteran additions to their lineups, but they return largely the same offense from a year ago. Trevor Story is healthy and if he can stay that way, he provides excellent defense and big power from the SS position. As Jarren Duran continues to develop, along with a healthy Tristan Casas and Rafael Devers, they do have a strong top-of-the-order. We have to keep an eye on an emerging Kristian Campbell, but the pitching staff attracts our attention. Garrett Crochet now sits at the top of the rotation, and Walker Buehler was also a strong addition.
X-Factor:
Ceddanne Rafaela: Last year, he emerged on the scene, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 19 bases in 152 games. It’s not that easy, though, as Rafaela hit just .246 while striking out 26.4% of the time. He doesn’t walk and has minimal power. He can play all over the field, which is what makes him very valuable.
Prospects To Know:
Hitting Prospect – Kristian Campbell: You had to know that Kristian Campbell would show up here. Campbell shot up prospect rankings last year, and it was for good reason. He finished the season in Triple-A, and in 119 games, Campbell hit .330 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases while scoring 94 runs. It’s only a matter of time before we see him in Boston this year.
Pitching Prospect – Yordanny Monegro: The Red Sox were efficient with Yordanny Monegro as he pitched just 76 innings last year. In 18 games, 17 starts, Monegro had a 2.84 ERA while striking out over 11 batters per nine innings. We still need to see more length out of Monegro but the results continue to be there for the right-hander.
Key Hitters:
1B: Triston Casas: Prediction: .250 AVG, 28 HR, 90 RBI, 80 R, 0 SB
2B: Alex Bregman: Prediction: .260 AVG, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 80 R, 2 SB
3B: Rafael Devers: Prediction: .270 AVG, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 90 R, 3 SB
LF: Jarren Duran: Prediction: .280 AVG, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 100 SB, 30 SB
Key Pitchers:
Garrett Crochet: Prediction: 3.10 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 230 K, 12 W
Walker Buehler: Prediction: 4.15 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 130 K, 8 W
Brayan Bello: Prediction: 4.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 160 K, 12 W
Liam Hendriks: Prediction: 3.50 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 65 K, 20 SV
Aroldis Chapman: Prediction: 3.50 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 90 K, 15 SV