Boston Red Sox: 3 players who need monster seasons in 2021
Will the Boston Red Sox be a competitive baseball team in 2021?
Following an underwhelming offseason, there are some additions to the team that could add some flavor of excitement.
First, Alex Cora is back as manager which should help returning players like Rafael Devers, Eduardo Rodriguez and J.D. Martinez as well as newcomers Kike Hernandez, Franchy Cordero and Marwin Gonzalez.
A full season with players like Alex Verdugo, Tanner Houck and Bobby Dalbec should also add elements of excitement and things to watch in 2021, but if this team is really going to make some noise in the AL East, a few of the veteran players on the team are going to need to have big seasons and here are three players who need to bring it in 2021 for their own personal gains and to help this baseball team exceed expectations.
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Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts needs an MVP-type season
With Alex Cora back in the fold, don’t be surprised is Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has a tremendous season in 2021.
Not only is a good year needed for the team, Bogaerts is playing for his next big contract and what better way to position himself for that than to prove he’s one of the best shortstops in the league.
Of course, if he proves that, the Red Sox may be in some big trouble if they are not willing to cash out the dough.
With health obviously being the biggest obstacle in the way of Bogaerts having the type of season he had in 2019, the Red Sox shortstop is only in the third year of a six-year contract extension signed back in 2019, but he can opt out after the 2022 season so that makes 2021 a huge year for Bogaerts when it comes to leverage over the team.
If he can have an MVP-type season by producing at the play while demonstrating leadership, he will position himself nicely, especially if he does indeed become the team’s next captain.
While money and his current contract status doesn’t appear to be a driver in Bogaerts motivation to remain in Boston, if the team goes down a similar road as they did with Mookie Betts, Bogaerts could be the next star out of town, especially if the team struggles once again this upcoming season as well as next season.
After losing Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi, the Red Sox as an organization simply cannot afford to let another piece exit. Simply put, Bogaerts is not only playing for the next contract, but he’s also playing to prove his value to the team.
2021 is going to be a big one for one of the top shortstops in all of baseball.