Why the 2023 Boston Red Sox could be MLB’s surprise team
The Boston Red Sox 2023 offseason has had mixed results. They re-signed their best player, Rafael Devers but that doesn’t improve them over 2022.
In addition, they added Japanese Professional Baseball League and World Baseball Classic star, Masataka Yoshida. That move may improve the club substantially.
Both moves have been lauded in this space though naysayers seem to only see what they want to see and feel objectivity is to be avoided. It is what it is.
With those two exemplary moves in mind, what else has eventuated that might signal that the 2023 Boston Red Sox might actually resemble the electric 2021 version rather than the dreadful 2022 one?
There are some indicators that may just do so and it’s worth taking a dive into that business to evaluate the chances.
Boston Red Sox may have unearthed some gems
While the offseason has been devoid of acquisitions of true MLB stars (Yoshida being from the Japanese League), a couple of players the team acquired may just surprise.
One of those clearly may be the indomitable Justin Turner, a long-time LA Dodger. To say the Dodgers owe the Boston Red Sox a favor is a huge understatement.
They fleeced the Red Sox in the Mookie Betts money trade to a fare-thee-well. The best aspect for Boston was shedding salary and securing Alex Verdugo, an average MLB outfielder. It was grand theft larceny by LA and everyone knows it.
Yet, Turner may be something of a payback. He’s a good ballplayer and while older at 38 years old, he’s a leader, a trait sorely needed in the 2023 Boston Red Sox.
Having been hit by a pitched ball in the face in a scary moment, Turner bounced back in a hurry and showed his leadership and indomitable spirit already. How can you NOT admire this grit? This space is a huge fan.
In addition, the Sox also delved into free agency and signed 34-year-old Adam Duvall from Atlanta. Now Duvall is coming off a wrist injury, not the best for a hitter, especially a power hitter.
But if he is in fact healed, he as well could be a nice find, and a 30-plus home run season if not more is not out of the realm of possibility.
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After having booted out Hunter Renfroe and Kyle Schwarber after the 2021 Cinderella season with their 2022, 75 home run production, Duvall might just help bring back the Force to Boston’s lineup.
Boston Red Sox pitching staff’s bright lights
Adding to the guarded optimism is the starting pitching staff may have some life in 2023. Chris Sale, after several injury-plagued seasons, seems to be back on track. If Sale is his old self, he’ll be a welcome addition and the ace of the starting staff.
Added to the rehabbing Garrett Whitlock and Nick Pivetta along with perhaps Brayan Bello, the team has the makings of a very nice rotation. The problem is health, however, and it’s a big one as the Boston Red Sox staff is riddled with injury questions.
Yet, if a few things break in the team’s favor for a change, things might take a very different turn from the last-place finish of 2022.
Next. How far can the Boston Red Sox actually go in the 2023 MLB season?. dark
Those are just a few positives that just might propel the Boston Red Sox out of the basement of the AL East and back into contention. (And yes, for certain, the return of Kike Hernandez to the team from injury is also a huge plus. He’s just a terrific player and teammate.)
What other aspects of the Boston Red Sox team building in 2023 may contribute to a contending season? We’d like to hear your views.