Boston Red Sox: 3 issues Chaim Bloom must address this offseason
By John Hynes
The Boston Red Sox will be left with holes in the lineup that will require attention
Assuming that the Boston Red Sox finally get the Bogaerts deal done, the infield should be a strength entering the 2023 season between him, Devers, Trevor Story, and the up-and-coming Triston Casas.
Beyond that the rest of the lineup is mostly wide open and Bloom should be looking for defense and power (two areas the 2022 Red Sox struggled with) to fill in the gaps.
With Alex Verdugo returning and looking to build on a strong second-half in 2022, he should be able to hold down one of the corner outfield positions.
Also returning is Kiké Hernández, who’s one-year extension signed early this season came unexpected amongst Sox Nation. While Hernández is certainly proficient defensively as a center fielder, his efficiency at the plate took a severe dip in 2022 which should lead Bloom to look for platoon options there.
In-season acquisition Tommy Pham, who turned out to be a decent pickup, will likely hit the open market and in turn open up the corner outfield spot opposite of Verdugo.
Longtime Fenway hero J.D. Martinez is also expected to depart this offseason, which will leave a void at designated hitter that he has filled for years in Boston.
If they want to compete in 2023 The Red Sox will have to address their losses more so than last year when they seemingly had no plan to replace the likes of Kyle Schwarber, Hunter Renfroe, etc.