The 2023 Red Sox roster is questionable. In this post, we’ll take a look at the Red Sox’s 2023 Opening Day lineup. Losing Ksander Bogaerts is significant. CEO Chaim Bloom was busy, but lost a key part of the organization. Replacing him will take time. The core of the list is past its prime.
The Red Sox are looking to trade Bogaerts for Enrique Hernandez. Expect Hernandez to be the lead. Hernandez’s best shot is that he only played 94 games in 2022. When healthy, his versatility is valuable. 222 in 2022, hitting 6 home runs and knocking in 45 RBI’S. He played stellar center field last season. In total, he played 100 games at the shortstop level during his career.
Rafael Devers is second, followed by either Adam Duvall or Justin Turner. Devers had a career year, batting .295 with 27 home runs and driving in 88 runs. Devers signed for eleven years at 313,000,000 with a 20,000,000 bonus.
The Demons will be followed by Justin Turner or Adam Duvall. Both players have signed one-year contracts. Turner brings strength and defense to the team. Duvall is coming off wrist surgery and is still a solid center fielder. Both players bring experience and leadership to the organization.
Average Order:
This is where it gets tricky. The club will miss the power of Bogaert. They signed Japanese star Masataka Yoshida to a five-year contract. Yoshida is a solid player who puts quality batters in order. In seven seasons in Japan, Yoshida hit 135 home runs, drove in 400 RBI and had an impressive 326 hits.
Triston Casas and Alex Verdugo will fill out the middle of the order. Casas played in 27 games with 5 home runs and 12 runs scored. Verdugo is in his third season and avoided arbitration. The team is hoping for more production from him offensively. Solid in the field, he can play either right or left field.
The bottom half of the order
Depending on who the designated hitter is Reese McGuire and shortstop will fill out the order. I’m looking for JT Turner to be the DH. McGuire was acquired mid-season. In 36 games played, McGwire hit 3 home runs and drove in 12 runs. He hit an impressive 337. He is a solid catcher both defensively and offensively.
CEO Chaim Bloom has yet to fill the short-lived role. Look for more strides before spring training.
Conclusion
This is a speculative list. Apart from Rafael Devers, this team is questionable. Most of the players they sign are in the latter part of their careers. Looking at this list, I predict the Red Sox to finish fourth in the competitive American League East.
Unless Bobby Dulbeck or Jaren Duran are traded, they could be at first base and fourth along with Rob Refsnyder.
