3. The top of Boston’s rotation
Make no mistake … if the Red Sox are going to go on a surprise run this season, it will be fueled by the offense and an improved back of the bullpen. However, for Boston to have the consistent success, they will need an upgrade at the top of their rotation. With Chris Sale healthy and the addition of Kluber, they have a chance to find just that.
Watching Sale attempt to take the field for Boston has grown predictably sad for the former ace unable to stay healthy or with any return short-lived. That finally seems to be changing this season with Sale locked in and fully healthy to start the year.
While there are questions as to what Sale is capable of at this point in his career, 2,064 strikeouts and 3.03 ERA speak to the possible ceiling.
Kluber may have his best seasons behind him but is still a very valuable and often durable arm. If both Sale and Kluber live up to their potential at the top of Boston’s rotation, there are zero reasons to believe this team can not compete for a division title, considering the obvious holes on the roster for New York and Toronto.
Boston is a team that opponents should underrate at their own risk. If their history has taught us anything, it is this team is often at its best when being overlooked.