2022 document: 78-84, fifth in American League East
Offseason headlines: After a disappointing last-place end, the Sox endured a tumultuous winter. They did lock up cornerstone 3B Rafael Devers (11 years, $331 million), however let in style SS Xander Bogaerts land a megadeal with the San Diego Padres. Boston additionally added a slew of veterans, together with INF Justin Turner, OF Adam Duvall and RHP Corey Kluber — lately named the Opening Day starter — however these strikes did not do a lot to appease a rabid fan base. The membership made a giant dedication — too large? — to Japanese star OF Masataka Yoshida (5 years, $90 million). Fangraphs has him projected to hit over .300, and he excelled for Japan within the World Baseball Classic.
Spring storylines: On the brilliant aspect, the Sox shored up a suspect bullpen with confirmed veteran arms, headlined by nearer Kenley Jansen. A 12-year veteran, the righty brings his profession 0.94 WHIP to Boston after spending his profession within the National League. Setting up Jansen will seemingly fall to newcomer Chris Martin. If Boston is to have any probability of rebounding, veteran lefty Chris Sale should keep wholesome, which he hasn’t finished shortly. The seven-time All-Star, who turns 34 on Opening Day, has logged simply 57 1/3 innings for the reason that finish of the 2019 season. In the ultimate 12 months of his deal, Sale has loads of incentive to show he is obtained one thing left within the tank. Sox followers have their eye on younger righty Brayan Bello, who confirmed loads of promise in 2022 and can get his probability to affix a rotation in flux.
Young weapons: Acquired within the Christian Vazquez commerce, utility infielder Enmanuel Valdez went viral throughout spring coaching with side-by-side movies of his swing subsequent to Juan Soto’s. RHP Bryan Mata, coming off Tommy John surgical procedure in 2021, will seemingly debut this season after a strong Triple-A marketing campaign. Ceddanne Rafaela is taken into account one of many minors’ most proficient defensive outfielders and would be the Sox’s future heart fielder.
Fall feeling: For a staff with query marks, it does not appear a postseason berth is within the playing cards. Quite a bit should break their means, however the Sox could possibly be enjoying significant September baseball if the celebs align.
Odds, even: The Red Sox aren’t anticipated to contend within the AL East, with the fourth-best odds (1500 at DraftKings). As for the World Series, the percentages aren’t on their aspect, both (6000 at FanDuel and DraftKings).
–Field Level Media