Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Red Sox 2017 Preview: The World Series Trophy Will be Paraded Around Town

By Logan Jakubajtys

Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell hoists the World Series championship trophy after game six of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won 6-1 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell hoists the World Series championship trophy after game six of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won 6-1 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Boston Red Sox
Sep 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) follows through after throwing out Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Key Player Predictions

The Red Sox are full of young talent and they have a stout rotation. These players will be the key to Boston’s success in 2017.

Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts is a stud. He finished second in AL MVP voting last season and he will surely put up MVP-like numbers again. Last season Betts hit .318 with 31 home runs and 113 RBI. Mookie also had 26 stolen bases. He should once again hit over .300 but the 31 homers is a reach. Expect about 25 long balls off Betts’ bat in 2017. Mookie’s impact will also be felt on defense where he is the best right fielder in baseball.

2017 Projection: .312 / 26 HR / 117 RBI / 30 SB

Andrew Benintendi

There are high expectations for Andrew Benintendi in his first full season with Boston. He’s the everyday left fielder and will likely bat second behind Dustin Pedroia. Benintendi had just 118 plate appearances last season, but he hit .295 with 14 RBI.

2017 Projection: .289 / 18 HR / 87 RBI

Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez is the new designated hitter with the retirement of David Ortiz. He’s given the first base spot to Mitch Moreland, and he’ll now have to focus only on his approach at the plate. The switch should be a positive one for Hanley, and we should see a spike in his offensive numbers.

2017 Projection: .291 / 32 HR / 110 RBI

Xander Bogaerts

With the Killer B’s in the outfield, Hanley Ramirez at DH and the three headed Price-Sale-Porcello monster, Xander Bogaerts often is overlooked. He’s become one of the best shortstops in all of baseball, though. He’s still just 24 with room to improve. 2017 could be his best season to date.

2017 Projection: .302 / 16 HR / 92 RBI

David Price

The Boston Red Sox will be without David Price to begin the 2017 season, but he will be crucial to their success. In 2016, Price was 17-9 with a 3.99 ERA. It was his highest ERA since 2009 when he was with the Rays. David Price will look to get his health and arm back on track in 2017. Hopefully, he can also become a clutch pitcher in the postseason.

2017 Projection: 18-4 / 2.57 ERA / 205 SO

Chris Sale

A splash was made and the Red Sox became American League favorites when they traded for ace Chris Sale. He joins Price and Rick Porcello to make up one of the best rotations in the AL. With the White Sox Sale was a Cy Young candidate and 5-time All-Star. In 2016 he was 17-10 with a 3.34 ERA and 233 strikeouts. He’ll now have a chance to become a fan favorite if he continues to shut down the Yankees.

2017 Projection: 22-7 / 2.85 ERA / 231 SO

Home/Boston Red Sox