Call to the pen
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Predicting the Boston Red Sox 2016 Opening Day Roster

By Nick Fustor

May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) congratulates center fielder Mookie Betts (50) on hitting his second home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) congratulates center fielder Mookie Betts (50) on hitting his second home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bench

Brock Holt and Travis Shaw will once again be key contributors for Boston in 2016.  Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Brock Holt and Travis Shaw will once again be key contributors for Boston in 2016.  Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Bench:

UTIL Brock Holt

OF Chris Young

IF Travis Shaw

C Christian Vazquez

All-Star Brock Holt gives the Red Sox a versatile contact hitter than can play every position on the field, and they’ll likely utilize him on a daily basis this coming season. More importantly, if Sandoval’s struggles continue, Holt could become the everyday third baseman if need be.

The signing of Chris Young gives the team a capable platoon partner for Jackie Bradley Jr. when lefties are on the mound, as he managed an impressive .972 OPS against them in 2015.  If either Rusney Castillo or Bradley fail to live up to expectations, Young represents a viable option to take their place in the lineup on any given day.

First baseman Travis Shaw provided a strong debut season after the team handed him the starting job – and there’s a chance he retakes the position if Ramirez succumbs to injury. With his ability to play third base, Shaw will likely be on the roster for a majority of the season.  There’s a chance he earns reps in one of the corner outfield spots if the Sox hope to maximize his value.  His biggest role, though, will be as a pinch hitter – as he hit 13 home runs in only 65 games.

While veteran Ryan Hanigan seems like the favorite to win the backup catcher job out of Spring Training, a motivated Christian Vazquez is poised for a strong spring.  Entering last season, Vazquez was projected to be the team’s starting catcher for his defensive prowess and improved hitting – but Tommy John surgery forced him to miss the season.  With Blake Swihart entrenched as the starter, a strong spring from Vazquez could have him pushing for playing time.

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