Boston Red Sox: Expectations soaring high heading into 2018 playoffs

Offensive firepower

The lineup is the least of concerns for this team. They have been a wagon all season long. The Red Sox lead the American League in runs scored with 833. They also have the best team batting average with .267 and are 6th in the AL with 199 home runs.

Up and down, the lineup is deadly; and can hurt you in many ways. J.D. Martinez sits in the middle and is an RBI machine, as he leads the league with 124 RBI. Mookie Betts is also a threat as the leadoff man, as he has 32 HR, 80 RBI, 125 runs and a MLB leading .343 average. 

There are many complimentary pieces as well, with Andrew Benintendi having the best year of his young career. Xander Bogearts is also putting together a nice season, blasting 21 home runs, while driving in 91 with a .286 average.

The Boston Red Sox also have solid options potentially coming off the bench in October. Brock Holt, Eduardo Nunez, Steve Pearce and Ian Kinsler are all solid role players. Let’s not forget about Jackie Bradley Jr, who can be added in late in games for some defensive assurance and a speedy bat at the plate. Alex Cora sure does have a lot of options at his disposal.

With such a historic season, the expectations are higher than ever in Boston. Given this team’s recent track record in October, most fans wouldn’t be surprised if they had another early exit. Many would be disappointed if that happens though.

Dave Dombrowski would most defiantly be on the hot seat if his team can not deliver for yet another postseason. Let’s hope the Boston Red Sox show us what we all know they are capable of, and make a deep run this October.