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Boston Red Sox 2023 Opening Day lineup projection & predictions

By Cesar Fuentes

FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 21: A view of the glove of Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox as he throws during a Spring Training team workout on February 21, 2023 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 21: A view of the glove of Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox as he throws during a Spring Training team workout on February 21, 2023 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

No easy outs at the bottom of the Boston Red Sox batting order

Batting seventh: Alex Verdugo, RF:

Verdugo is another bat I really like, but by process of elimination, he’s going to be in the seven spot (in my mind at least).

Being one of the main pieces in the Mookie Betts trade, he’s been criticized for not taking the “jump” in his career. In response to that, he came into Spring Training this year in the best shape he’s ever been in and I love that response form him.

Verdugo is done with the talk and he’s ready for his game to do the talking.

The right fielder is going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season and I think the extra pressure he’s going to have is going to be great for the young lefty.

A career .286 hitter is going to be looking to pepper the Monster in left field this season. “My goal is to be a doubles machine”, Verdugo said to the Boston Globe. Last season Dugie hit for 39 doubles, a career best, and I am expecting an even bigger year this season for the Verdugo.

In regards to his defense, it could be better as he ranked in the 13th percentile for outs above average, but his arm strength ranked in the 75th percentile. If he improves even little bit in the field, watch out for Alex Verdugo this season.

Batting eighth: Kiké Hernández, SS:

Another good bat who, by process of elimination, has to bat towards the back of the lineup and that’s not a bad thing.

Last season Hernández battled injuries which kept him out a significant part of the season, but after he retuned he hit .240 with eight doubles. When healthy, Hernández is a playmaker on both sides of the ball in any position he plays.

Whether it’s second base, centerfield, shortstop, or any other position, Hernández is going to be a force, as he was in the 87th percentile in outs above average, 98th percentile in outfielder jump and 85th percentile in arm strength.

Batting ninth: Reese McGuire, C:

Was his second half with Boston a fluke? Can he improve defensively? Well right now, there’s no other option. Connor Wong is dealing with a hamstring injury and Jorge Alfaro isn’t going to start the season behind the plate catching for Kluber.

McGuire had an astounding second half of the season after being traded from the White Sox hitting at an astounding .337! I’m going to be honest, I have no idea what made the difference for McGuire, but as soon as he stepped foot in Boston he became a hits machine for the Sox.

Can he continue where he left off last season batting wise? Maybe. Will he? Unsure, but I would love if he did.

Having McGuire start behind the plate with Wong/Alfaro to compliment that makes me comfortable as I think their games all lineup perfectly.

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