Leading off for the Boston Red Sox…Christian Arroyo
The best part about MLB Spring Training is figuring out all the bits and pieces of your favorite team heading into the new season. For the Boston Red Sox, their situation isn’t any different.
We’re starting to see players reporting, workouts happening, and even some injuries already taking place. Baseball is back!
One thing that is in question with this Red Sox team is who will be the leadoff hitter. A lot of people are already penciling in newcomer Masataka Yoshida. But I’m here to tell you all that there’s another name that a lot of people don’t think of right away.
His name? Christian Arroyo. Truthfully, I think it could be interesting to see Arroyo as a potential leadoff hitter for this Red Sox team in 2023.
Boston Red Sox having a good contact hitter in Christian Arroyo
One thing that people don’t realize about Arroyo is that he’s a pretty good hitter. The key thing is he has to stay healthy. Doesn’t it sound a lot like some of the other Red Sox players on this roster?
In two full seasons with the Red Sox, Arroyo hit .274 with 12 homeruns and 41 total extra base hits. Just for good measure for all you fans who love stats, Arroyo also hit for a .753 OPS.
Look, the numbers aren’t going to blow you away. But the thing is, these numbers are when Arroyo was able to actually play.
Also, you want a leadoff hitter that’s going to get on base. He struck out only 92 times in 444 at bats during his two full seasons with the Red Sox. Quick math, that’s close to once every five at bats.
So a guy that can put the ball in play and produce extra base hits? I like that in a leadoff hitter!
Boston Red Sox having other options besides Masataka Yoshida
With the five year, $85 million contract Yoshida signed for this off-season, it’d be hard to justify not having him in the leadoff hole.
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But the thing we need to remember is that Yoshida has never played in the MLB before. It might take some adjusting for him for the first few months.
Yoshida is a guy that can hit for power, but also find his way on base. He also has a great tendency to hit the ball the opposite way. So why are the Red Sox not sold on Yoshida being penciled in as leadoff hitter on opening day?
Plus, if he gets into a slump, then the confidence might go down really quick. What’s the harm in putting Arroyo leadoff and giving Yoshida a month or so to get used to the MLB game?
The bottom line with Christian Arroyo and the Boston Red Sox
There are a few things that the Red Sox can do for the leadoff spot and Arroyo is an intriguing option.
Next. Red Sox starters have abundance of questions. dark
Some people might argue for Kiké Hernandez. Others will be sold on Yoshida being the guy. But again, a healthy Christian Arroyo is good for this team. Keep in mind, the guy was a former first round pick. There’s some talent still in the tank.
So will we see Christian Arroyo as a leadoff hitter? I’m sure in a few games this season! But what will he do with that opportunity? That remains to be seen.