Boston Red Sox: Early prediction of 2018 playoff roster
By Oliver Gold
Catchers/Infielders: Sandy Leon, Blake Swihart, Mitch Moreland, Steve Pearce, Ian Kinsler, Brock Holt, Eduardo Nunez, Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts
The infield has stayed the same all season long. Since the Ian Kinsler trade, these have been the main guys when healthy.
The catcher spot will be a competition once Christian Vazquez gets healthy. Sandy Leon should be on the roster. The Red Sox have had success when he has started, and he is a great game-caller. He should be the guy who gets most of the starts.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
Blake Swihart has been solid since receiving more playing time. His versatility is another reason why he should make it over Vazquez, as he has also played first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field this season. He is hitting .262 since the all-star break.
Second base and shortstop will likely be Kinsler and Xander Bogaerts for the most part. Both have been playing well enough to secure every-day starts at those positions.
Playing time at first base and third base will likely be split. Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce will likely split time at first. Pearce started off on a tear but has cooled down recently. It will likely be Moreland against right-handers and Pearce against left-handers.
At third, Rafael Devers should be the main guy. The young third baseman has power and adds versatility to the lineup as a left-hander. Eduardo Nunez and Brock Holt will get looks as well but have not been performing well at the plate. Both will be valuable pieces on the roster due to their versatility but Devers should get most of the time at third.