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Red Sox Player Rankings: The Top 25 Best Players Through April

By Logan Jakubajtys

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) reacts after catching a foul ball hit by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Daniel Robertson (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) reacts after catching a foul ball hit by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Daniel Robertson (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Fernando Abad pitches during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

18. RP, Fernando Abad

Fernando Abad has been nowhere near perfect, and I’m the first to admit this ranking may be a little high. He got a bump due to his improved performance late in the month.

Abad has appeared in 7 games for the Red Sox and has a 5.06 ERA. While that doesn’t sound great, it will get better as the year goes on and he gets more chances. Abad has allowed 1 hit or no hits in 5 of his 7 outings. The ERA will drop.

17. RP, Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes made headlines when he threw behind the head of Manny Machado last week in Baltimore. He returned Sunday nighr against the Cubs from his four game suspension.

Over 10 outings and 11.o innings pitched Barnes has a 3.27 ERA with 11 strikeouts.

Barnes will see a lot of work this year, and if he’s able to stay on pace or slightly improve his numbers, the Red Sox should be happy. He’s a dependable reliever, who clearly sticks up for his teammates, that Boston will rely on in 2017.

16. RP, Joe Kelly

Joe Kelly has been bringing the heat out of the bullpen. Just the other night he recorded a fastball at 102 MPH. His control though has been lost some.

On Sunday night Kelly threw a wild pitch that resulted in the tying run scoring for the Chicago Cubs. While Boston ultimately earned the win, Kelly spoiled a great outing from Eduardo Rodriguez who was in line to earn the win.

Kelly has just a 2.70 ERA so far and Boston of course loves that, but he will need to settle down and find his control for the rest of the season.

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