The Boston Red Sox will be your 2017 MLB World Series champions. This is how they’re going to get it done on the diamond.
These Boston Red Sox are not the same as those from 2004, 2007, or even 2013, but they’ll be just as successful in the end.
Dustin Pedroia is the only current player on the Red Sox that was around for the 2007 World Series run. With David Ortiz’s retirement, there are no 2004 members. A few others played during the 2013 season, but not in a major role like they have now.
In 2016, the Red Sox were embarrassed by the Cleveland Indians in the American League Division Series. They’ll look to improve their final spot in the standings but will need to find the right formula to replace Big Papi’s production.
Mookie Betts will once again be an MVP candidate, David Price will improve and Chris Sale will have a tremendous first year in Boston. There will be some fiery games played against the Cubs, Indians, Yankees and Orioles.
These 2017 Boston Red Sox have the chance to be great, and they will be. They will be the 2017 World Series champions.
It’s World Series or bust in 2017 for the Boston Red Sox after a disappointing end to 2016. Please don’t bust!
Here, we’ll break down our projections for the final standings, key players, award winners and postseason series. Let us know what we missed or your own projections for this year’s Boston Red Sox team.
Where They’ll Finish in the AL East
The AL East had three postseason teams in 2016, so expect some stiff competition. Boston should have a huge lead though as the season winds down. The Red Sox are the clear division favorite and may be the American League favorite as well. Here’s how I see the AL East standings unfolding.
- Boston Red Sox (100-62)
- Baltimore Orioles (85-77, 15 Games Back)
- Toronto Blue Jays (82-80, 18 Games Back)
- New York Yankees (81-81, 19 Games Back)
- Tampa Bay Rays (69-93, 31 Games Back)
The Red Sox will win the AL East by 15 games, and they’ll be the top dog in the American League. I expect only the Red Sox to reach the 100 win ceiling, while the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers finish in the high 90’s. The Red Sox will likely meet one of those two clubs in the World Series.
Home-field advantage in the World Series is no longer decided by the All-Star Game. The club with the best regular-season record will get the advantage.
Sadly, I don’t think any other team in the AL East will make the postseason. While Baltimore has the best shot, I believe the O’s, Jays, Yankees, and Rays will all beat up on each other.
The American League has teams in the central and west that will outperform the other AL East teams. The Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers will all make the postseason.
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
Red Sox Award Winners
The 2017 Boston Red Sox should have plenty of award winners on their roster. We all know the potential of each player, but it’s up to them to reach it and work for it.
Silver Sluggers
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Mookie Betts, RF
The two best hitters on the Boston Red Sox will take home Silver Slugger awards. As seen on the last slide, both should have tremendous offensive seasons at the plate. Hanley will be completely devoted to and focused on hitting as he moves away from first base. Mookie Betts will put up MVP-like numbers once again. The rest of the team will produce as well, but these two will earn the awards.
Gold Gloves
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Mookie Betts, RF
The Boston Red Sox should be an incredibly strong, intelligent defensive team. The outfield is the best in the majors defensively, so JBJ and Mookie will earn Gold Gloves. Benintendi will earn his fair share over his career, but not in his first full major league season. Xander Bogaerts is the best shortstop in the AL hands down, and Pedroia is the picture of consistency.
American League Cy Young
Chris Sale, LHP
In his first year in Boston, Chris Sale will earn his first Cy Young. It will be the second AL Cy Young in as many years for the Red Sox. Chris Sale should win over 20 games, and hopefully, he finds success in Fenway Park.
American League Most Valuable Player
Mookie Betts, RF
You must have seen this one coming. Mookie Betts came up just short in the 2016 MVP vote, but not this time. It’s Mookie’s award in 2017.
Postseason Predictions
The MLB Postseason is where the real fun begins. David Price and Chris Sale will need to be on top of their game, as pitching wins championships. The offense should be able to hang.
I agree with Sports Illustrated’s list of postseason teams, but not their outcome.
American League Wildcard Game: Mariners over Rangers
National League Wildcard Game: Giants over Mets
The Mariners and Rangers will meet in an AL West clash, but Seattle gets the slight edge. The Giants will take down the Mets thanks to Madison Bumgarner’s pitching.
American League Division Series: Red Sox over Mariners
American League Division Series: Indians over Astros
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National League Division Series: Giants over Cubs
National League Division Series: Dodgers over Nationals
The ALDS and NLDS will sure be fun to watch. Boston should easily handle an overmatched Seattle squad and Cleveland should do the same. The fun comes in the National League. A Giants and Cubs series would provide great pitching matchups, and a Dodgers and Nationals series would feature plenty of stars. The ALDS matchups could go just 3 games a piece, but I’d expect the NLCS matchups to go the full length.
The Chicago Cubs will be upset by the Giants, setting up an all California NLCS.
American League Championship Series: Red Sox over Indians
National League Championship Series: Dodgers over Giants
The Boston Red Sox will get a chance at redemption against the Cleveland Indians. This would be a tough series, likely going six or seven games. Chris Sale and David Price would have to win each of their games for the Sox to take down the reigning American League champions.
In the NLCS, baseball fans would be treated to a powerhouse matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. This one could go seven games as well but I see LA getting to the World Series here. The Giants, while strong, are not mighty enough to take down the Dodgers.
World Series: Red Sox over Dodgers
A Boston – Los Angeles World Series provides plenty of story lines. One of the first to come up would certainly be about Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and his play to help the 2004 Red Sox win the title. Clayton Kershaw and Chris Sale would matchup in Game 1, and it would be a long night for hitters. This is a seven game series, wit the Boston Red Sox winning the 2017 World Series at home in Fenway Park.
Next: Predicting the Red Sox Opening Day Roster
The Red Sox open the season at home on April 3rd against the Pittsburgh Pirates with Rick Porcello on the mound.