Boston Red Sox 2018 Season Preview
The Boston Red Sox excellent 2017 campaign came to a crashing halt in the ALDS. Can a new manager and some added power keep them from an early exit in the coming campaign?
It was thought that the Boston Red Sox had gotten that piece they needed to return to the World Series heading into the 2017 campaign. Their lack of a true ace had been addressed by the acquisition of Chris Sale, taking the pressure off of David Price and the rest of the rotation. Boston was ready to return to the playoffs, and do some damage.
While Boston did return to the postseason, they were unceremoniously eliminated in the ALDS, beaten in four games by the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. The Red Sox discovered another deficiency, as their offense had a disturbing lack of power. In a year when everyone was hitting for power, the Red Sox did not have a single player hit at least 25 homers.
Again, the Red Sox addressed that concern during the offseason, signing J.D. Martinez to provide that needed power from the middle of the lineup. And once again, the Red Sox feel that they have brought in that needed piece to take home another World Series title. Yet, for as much of a splash as Martinez may have been in free agency, the Red Sox hopes likely rest upon improvement from within.
Can the Boston Red Sox live up to their own expectations? Or will the 2018 campaign be another disappointment?
Boston Red Sox additions and subtractions
Key additions: J.D. Martinez
Newcomer to watch: J.D. Martinez. Although Martinez was the only really notable signing that the Boston Red Sox made, he would be the newcomer to watch regardless.
Martinez certainly adds the power that the Red Sox need in their lineup. Over the course of 2017, Boston hit a combined 165 homers, last in the American League and 27th in baseball. Mookie Betts led the team with 24 homers. To compare, Martinez hit 29 homers in just 65 games with the Diamondbacks following his midseason trade to the NL West.
It is certainly possible that he approaches the 40 home run mark again this season. However, Martinez will also provide a great deal of protection for Betts or Andrew Benintendi in the Boston lineup. As one of the best power hitters from 2017, and a threat to hit a home run every time at the plate, Martinez could be the key to the Red Sox lineup.
Notable losses: Addison Reed, Doug Fister, Chris Young, Bryce Brentz
Biggest loss: Addison Reed. A key piece in the bullpen after being acquired at the trade deadline, the loss of Reed could have quite the ripple effect.
A versatile reliever who has spent time closing and in a setup role, Reed performed admirably in the latter spot with the Red Sox. After being acquired from the Mets, he produced a 3.33 ERA and a 0.926 WHiP, striking out 28 batters in his 27 innings of work. Reed also picked up 11 holds in those two months, serving a valuable role in the Red Sox bullpen.
In theory, the Boston Red Sox bullpen will be a strength in 2018. Carson Smith will be back at full strength. Matt Barnes found a role as a valued setup man. And Craig Kimbrel returned to his dominating form. However, Addison Reed served as a valuable security blanket, one that is now missing from the roster.
What to expect from the Boston Red Sox in 2018
The idea is that the Boston Red Sox will be a contender in 2018 due to the signing of J.D. Martinez. However, it is not that simple.
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Martinez is a perfect complimentary piece in the lineup, but he is not going to send the Red Sox to the World Series on his own. Boston needs Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi to take the next step in their expected ascension to stardom. Xander Bogaerts needs to prove he is healthy and ready to become that elite shortstop that he appeared destined to become.
Likewise, the Red Sox need to see improvement from their pitching staff, particularly in the rotation. Chris Sale is a true ace, but he wore down late in 2017 due to his workload. Rick Porcello went from winning the Cy Young award to being a disaster. Speaking of disasters, David Price has generally imploded in Boston. Getting both pitchers on track will help the Red Sox cause as they attempt to win another championship.
The problem is, even if the Red Sox best case scenario happens, it may not be enough. The Yankees have strengthened their lineup, and are likely to give Boston a run for the title. The AL East, and the road to the postseason, may not be determined until the final days of the season.
Next: Devers ready to take over
The Boston Red Sox have addressed their biggest need this offseason. And yet, one has to wonder if that will be enough. Given the depth on the roster and in the lineup, it may be. Prediction: First place int he AL East.