Notable Additions: Liam Hendriks, Tyler O’Neill, Vaughn Grissom
Notable Losses: Chris Sale, John Schreiber, Justin Turner
The Red Sox have been disappointing since their ALCS appearance in 2021. Bogaerts, Sale, Eovaldi and Schwarber are all gone. They still have Devers and other good-hitting pieces, but their rotation could be much better. They are solid pieces, but that rotation will not lead the charge to a playoff birth. Also, it was announced that Lucas Giolito may miss the whole 2024 season. It’s not looking too good for the Red Sox.
Projected Starters
C: Connor Wong
1B: Tristan Casas
2B: Vaughn Grissom
3B: Rafael Devers
SS: Trevor Story
LF: Tyler O’Neill
CF: Jarren Duran
RF: Wilyer Abreu
DH: Masataka Yoshida
The best part of the Red Sox roster is their hitting. Last year, the Red Sox ranked 9th in team OPS and 6th in batting average but only 18th in home runs. Five qualified hitters, Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Adam Duvall, Jarren Duran, and Justin Turner, had a .800 OPS or better, but only three of them will be returning in 2024. I am intrigued by the addition of Vaughn Grissom. He did not see much time with the Braves last year, but he hit .330 in Triple-A. He should be a nice boost. The hitting for Boston never seems to be the problem, and I give them a 5/10.
Projected Starters
Nick Pivetta
Brayan Bello
Kutter Crawford
Tanner Houck
Garrett Whitlock
The Problem with the Red Sox is their rotation. There are some promising names, but not a group I trust to lead me to the playoffs. For example, Brayan Bello had a 4.24 ERA last year with 135 strikeouts in his first full year. He is a good ground ball pitcher and could become an interesting starter if he can get more experience under his belt. Nick Pivetta could also be an interesting workhorse for the Red Sox. Overall, I can’t give this staff more than a 2/10.
Kenley Jansen is projected to be the closer once again. He had 29 saves last year with a 3.63 ERA. At 36, he’s not a long-term option for the Red Sox bullpen. Chris Martin could be a good setup man if he can come close to repeating his 1.06 ERA from last year. Josh Winckowski and Brennan Bernardino could also be intriguing options. Liam Hendriks may pitch this year but likely won’t until next year. This is a solid bullpen, but the loss of John Schreiber will be felt. I give them a 4/10
Sock’s 2 X-Factors
Rafael Devers: Raffy Big Scoops can hit baseballs. Of course, that news is not new. Devers has posted a WRC+ of 100 or higher in all but 1 season in his career. He has also hit 20 or more home runs in each full season he has played. Last season, he hit .271/.351/.500 with 33 home runs and a 124 WRC+. Entering his age-27 season, I am confident Devers will deliver for Boston.
Masataka Yoshida: The 29-year-old rookie joined the Red Sox last year and hit .289/.338/.445 with 15 home runs and a 109 WRC+. Yoshida had a very low walk percentage but also a low strikeout percentage. He is a good pure hitter and has excellent plate control. This season, he should be a solid piece for the Red Sox batting order.
Sleeper: Kutter Crawford: Crawford is an interesting name to watch in this Red Sox rotation. He is projected to be the third starter and had a 4.04 ERA last year with a 3.83 FIP and 135 strikeouts. He produces good swing-and-miss stuff and can get his opponents to chase him often. At 27 years old, he is entering the prime of his pitching career and could be a nice surprise for this Red Sox rotation.
Prospects to Look Forward to
Marcelo Mayer: Selected 4th overall in the 2021 MLB draft, Marcelo Mayer was the top prospect in his draft class. Last season, he hit .337/.414/.582 before his shoulder injury. His power is coming along, as he has gotten stronger each season and improved his plate presence each year as well. He may not be a shortstop when he reaches the majors, but he will be great when he arrives.
Roman Anthony: The 19-year-old power hitter had 14 home runs in the minors last year. His power is his calling card, and he has a good eye to go along with all that power. By the decade’s end, he has all the makings to be a great right fielder for the Red Sox.
GM For a Day
This staff needs pitching badly. I am making the call if Jordan Montgomery and/or Blake Snell are available. We are talking about the Boston Red Sox here. Make a serious offer for both starters and insert yourself back into the AL playoff race.
Projected Finish: 70-92, 5th in the AL East, 11th in the AL
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