Boston Red Sox: A Look at the Potential 2017 Lineup
The Boston Red Sox will aim to replace the production of David Ortiz in 2017, while seeking to make a deep postseason run.
The 2017 Boston Red Sox will need to replace David Ortiz in their daily lineup. They’ll also look to lead the American League, making a deep postseason run to end with a World Series championship. Hanley Ramirez will in all likelihood move to the Designated Hitter spot, but he may play a few games at First Base. The Red Sox lineup in 2017 will likely look something like this:
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Andrew Benintendi, LF
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Hanley Ramirez, DH
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Pablo Sandoval, 3B
- Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
- Mitch Moreland, 1B
- Sandy Leon, C
Lineup Analysis
Overall, the lineup seems strong. Dustin Pedroia, Benintendi and Bradley Jr. may switch in and out of the leadoff spot early in the season, until the ideal leadoff man is identified. The Red Sox believe Mitch Moreland can rebound from a poor 2016 season, as he has left field power. Fenway Park should be a great park for Moreland to hit in.
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Chris Young can be inserted into the lineup in place of Benintendi (who’s expected to break out) when the team faces a tough left handed pitcher. Brock Holt will also be worked into the lineup, providing rest for Pablo Sandoval or any of the outfielders.
The 3-5 spots occupied by Betts, Ramirez and Bogaerts will produce a majority of Boston’s offense. Betts will need to have another MVP-like season to help replace Big Papi’s presence. Ortiz will surely be missed, as he was the most feared hitter in Boston’s lineup for over a decade.
"“Everyone looked to David to get the big hit. We’re obviously going to miss him. I think everyone would want to him to change his mind. With him in our lineup, we’re a better team. I don’t think he’s going to do that. He’s had a great career and he has the right to retire. It’s up to us now to make our lineup work,” said Brock Holt."
At the bottom of the lineup, Jackie Bradley Jr. will need to cut down on his strikeouts. Can Boston expect JBJ to be a consistent 25 home run hitter as the team’s defensive star?
The Red Sox decided to not take in a big contract for a power hitter, and that decision will be put to the test in 2017. Early in the year, the lineup will be tinkered with day to day, but by mid-season this Red Sox team should be on a roll.
Next: Red Sox 2017 Pitching Rotation
Spring Training is just around the corner, and hopefully the kinks will be worked out. This certainly will not be the last story projecting the Sox lineup.