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Projecting The 2023 Red Sox Pitching Staff

With Spring training officially underway, it’s time to project the 2023 Red Sox pitching staff .General Manager Chaim Bloom began the offseason revamping the Red Sox bullpen. Overall, the team added four new relievers and signed veteran Corey Kluber to a one-year deal. Kluber spent the 2022 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The organization had the seventh- worst bullpen in the Majors. In this post, we will review three area’s how the team improved its pitching department.

Revamped Bullpen

During the offseason, the team added five new relievers to the staff. The first signing was Joely Rodriguez spent the 2022 season with the Mets. Rodriguez had an impressive campaign finishing 2-4 with a 4.47 ERA. Used primarily as a middle reliever he will bring experience and depth to the Red Sox.

Chris Martin, Richard Bleier, Wyatt Mills, and Kenley Jansen round out the relievers. Jansen is one of the best closers in baseball and will help the team immediately. Throughout his impressive career, he has accumulated 391 saves.

Jansen brings an attitude and history of winning. Last season with the Braves he recorded 41 saves to his credit. In 2022 the Red Sox bullpen blew 28 saves out of a possible 65 opportunities. One of the worst in baseball.

Deep Starting Pitching

In 2022, the Red Sox starting pitching had 79 wins and an ERA of 4.53. With injuries to key starters, Boston added veteran Corey Kluber to the rotation. In twelve years of service, Kluber brings depth and experience to the staff. Last season as Ray, he was 10-10 with a 4.31 ERA. The former Indian has a total of 113 wins and 71 losses with a 3.31 ERA.

If Chris Sale and James Paxton can stay healthy, this should be an interesting team to watch. Rounding out the staff is second -year man Brian Bello, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck. Both Whitlock and Houck suffered a season- ending injuries in 2022.

Depth In The System

Since Chaim Bloom took over in 2021 the teams farm system is vastly improved. With young talent waiting Red Sox fans can finally see a new wave of talent names to keep an eye on are LHP Brandon Walter/Worcestor/LHP Chris Murphy/ Worcestor/and RHP Bryan Mata/Worcestor.

Conclusion

Despite a dismal 2022 season, it’s time to move on. If the pitching,is healthy, it will contend. The revamped bullpen will be exciting with the addition of Kenley Jansen closing. Payroll wise, the team is at 225 million. I predict the club to go 79-83 fourth place in the AL East.

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Evaluating the 2022 Red Sox Offseason

The 2022 Red Sox offseason has been porous at best. In this post, we will evaluate the Red Sox off -season. Starting with the pitching, the organization has no real stopper. Let us take a look at the latest moves and compare them to other clubs.

Starting Pitching

Beginning with the starting pitching, Red Sox fans do not have much to cheer about. The Rangers added Jacob Degroom and Nate Eovaldi. Boston said goodbye to Rich Hill. If anything, the club is holding on to life support.

If there is anything positive, the bullpen improved significantly. Starting with a new closer Kenley Jansen, and adding Chris Martin and Joely Rodriguez. This makes Matt Barnes’s job a lot easier. Reliever Garrett Whitlock can move into the rotation. Also, Tanner Houck can rotate between starting and relieving.

Last season, the Red Sox had one of the worst bullpens in baseball. With more depth, the club has one of the better pitching departments in the American league. If Tanner Houck and Chris Sale can stay healthy, the Red Sox will make things interesting.

Weak Offensively

With the shocking departure of Xander Bogaerts, the organization lacks offense. Third baseman Rafael Devers appears to be on the move. The club lacks a minimal power threat in the middle of the order.

Last season, the club hit 258 fifth best in the league, and led the league in runs scored. Power wise they hit 155. This year the power is worse. Japanese free agent Masataka Yoshida signed a five-year deal with the team. Known for his patient at-bats Yoshida can fill in as the DH and outfield. In seven seasons in Japan, Yoshida belted 135 career home runs while posting a 326 Batting Average.

Catching Department Thin

If the season started today, Reese McGuire and Connor Wong are your catchers. McGuire was acquired in July and hit 3 home runs. Wong has only two partial seasons under his belt. The club has no one in the farm system ready to step in and contribute.

2023 Outlook

With a questionable starting pitching staff, this team has too many holes to fill. Replacing Xander Bogaerts will be an arduous task. Bogaerts was homegrown and a clubhouse leader.With no power hitter in the lineup, Red Sox fans will be in for a disappointing summer.

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Time For A Red Sox Roster Reconstruction

With, the trade deadline Tuesday it’s time for a Red Sox roster reconstruction. After 102 games and in dead last in the AL East, the Sox are virtually out of the playoffs, Beginning with the pitching staff starters Nathan Eovaldi, Rich Hill, and Michael Wacha, all went down with injuries. Positional Players Rafael Devers, and JD Martinez also suffered serious injuries. In this post, we will discuss three areas in which the organization needs to address at the trade deadline.

Upgrade The Catching Department

Starting catcher Christian Vazquez is having a career year. He is holding a 280/324OBP/754OPS/ line. Not to mention 19 doubles. His counterpart Kevin Plawecki is less productive. He has a dismal 187/3114OBP/655OPS. With run production, a serious issue Plawecki may be on the move.

Vazquez has been the centerpiece of trade talks as of late. One team showing interest is the Mets. They need a full -time catcher and a proven bat such as Martinez. The Mets would be the perfect trading partner for Boston with its rich young prospect depth.

Proven Starting Pitcher

Every team is looking for a starting pitcher. Two names to keep an eye on are Noah Sydaguard and Zack Grienke. Syndergaard is 37 and still effective. In 15 games this year, he is 5-8 with a 3.83 ERA. Not too shabby for an underperforming Angels club.

Zack Greinke of the Royals is another player on the radar. At 38 years old, he is 3-6 with a 4.35 for a lowly Royals club. Either pitcher would be inexpensive and still dependable. Searching for a younger starter would be costly, something the Red Sox would hesitate on.

Help At The Corners

The Red Sox outfield has been a mess this year. Jackie Bradley has spent most of 2022 in right field. kike Hernandez, the team’s full -time center fielder went down early in the season. Since the injury Jarren Duran has taken over in his absence. Lack of power from both Bradley and Duran has been a problem. A change in the outfield would be beneficial to the everyday lineup.

Conclusion

Despite the injuries, In terms of talent. the year 2022 has been disappointing. Chaim Bloom had a poor offseason acquiring very little in terms of talent. Designated hitter JD Martinez is the subject of trade talk. Long -time catcher Christian Vazquez is also on the block. With the team in last place, they need to get back to fundamentals. Making a deal or two will not bring back this club to the level it needs to be at. Free agent Trevor Story has been a huge disappointment.

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3 Possibilities For The Red Sox In The 2022 MLB Draft

This weekend is the MLB draft. The three possibilities for the Red Sox in the 2022 MLB draft will be interesting In three Years Chaim Bloom has selected high school infielders. Will this year be any different? My gut feeling is yes. Personally, I would like to see the organization draft starting pitching. Another area of need is a closer. Outfielders with power are always an interesting choice. In this post, we will review three players that may be available with the twenty_fourth Pick.

Dylan Beavers/OF/ California

A towering 6’4″ 295 power hitter. Can play left field, center field, and right field. Would be ideal in Fenway Park. The only issue is will he be available at 24? The team lacks outfield prospects in the system, A native of San Luis Obispo, California.

In two years with the Golden Bears, he has 36 home runs and 107 runs batted in. Plus a 294 batting average. His bonus pool would be over $6,000,000.

Justin Campbell/RHP/ Oklahoma State

A 6’4′ righthander just started to make a name for himself in 2022. Campbell relies on three pitches, a changeup, fastball, and slider. Although he is not known for his velocity, his command deserves respect. He pitched a no_hitter vs Kansas in 2021.

Campbell finished the 2021 campaign going 7-2 with a 2.57 ERA, The enticing thing about Campbell is he is two_way. He also serves as the team’s DH. This would be awful intriguing for Chaim Bloom to consider at 24.

Sterlin Thompson/OF/ Florida

Thompson is your typical Florida product. A versatile athlete with a wealth of upsides. First, he can play both right field and left. also, has spent some time at third base. With the Red Sox thin at the outfield position Thompson would be perfect. a left _handed hitter with a wide _open stance who can hit.

In two seasons with the Gators, Thompson batted 334 with 16 home runs and 78 runs batted in. He also has some speed. Although he is still raw,, they do not have many corner outfielders on the way up.

Conclusion

In, three years, General manager Chaim Bloom has an excellent track record. Whether he drafts another high school prospect remains to be seen. The organization could use an upgrade in the outfield and catching department. Preferably, candidates with, power.

Other notable candidates on the radar are Logan Tanner C Mississippi State, Kevin P Parada, C Georgia Tech, Blake Tidwell RHP Tennessee, and Peyton Pallette RHP Arkansas.

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Life For The Red Sox After The Work Stoppage

Life for the Red Sox after the work stoppage will be interesting. The team has currently added Rich Hill, James Paxton, and Jackie Bradley Jr. Still a long way to go. Currently, the organization has spent 190.000 000 on next year’s salaries. They still have to solve the second base dilemma. In this post, we will explore available options for next season.

Roster Chaos

One obvious answer is roster chaos. With Chaim Bloom already committing to washed _up veterans, one has to wonder what direction is next. Pitcher Michael Wacha is not the pitcher he once was. Rich Hill is in his third stint with the Red Sox. And Jackie Bradley is coming off his worst season ever.

In 2021 Bradley hit a disappointing 163 6 home runs, and 39 rbi’s. Plus an OBP/236, OPS/497, and 261 slugging percentage. Certainly not marketable numbers. No doubt the club will miss Renfroes production. His 14 assists were tops in the league. His postseason performance is what got him dealt. With, not much cap space left, Chaim Bloom’s options are minimal.

Number Three Starter And Closer

Replacing Eduardo Rodriguez is a priority. Michael Wacha and Rich Hill aren’t the answers. James Paxton is a reclamation project who we won’t see until 2023. That leaves only help in the farm or another free agent.

Notable free agents still available are Carlos Rodon, Alex Wood, and Michael Pineda. The most attractive name is Rodon. He had his best season in 2021 winning 13 games and losing six posting a 2.37 ERA. At 29 years old he would be the perfect fit for the Red Sox. A dependable lefthander who is still in his prime.

Another avenue to explore is the fam system. Two pitchers I like are Jay Groome and Chris Murphy. Groome is a monstrous 6’6″ weighing 262lbs. A slider, curve, and fastball are his best pitches. Murphy was 3-2 at Portland last season and throws 94 mph. Reliever Durbin Feltman went 7-0 at AAA Worcester

Outfield Depth

Replacing Hunter Renfroe will not be easy. Renfroe is coming off a career year, slamming 36 home runs. With Alex Verdugo in left and Jackie Bradley in centerfield, the club. is better defensively. With no help on the farm free agency is their option.

Several key free agents are still available. My personal favorite is Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had a career year in 2021 belting 34 home runs and knocking in 100. Adam Duvall of the Braves and Tommy Pham of San Diego are still unsigned. Renfroe’s bat will be sorely missed. Free_ agent Kyle Schwarber is still available will be too expensive.

Japanese free agent Seiya Suzuki is a possibility. Suzuki is the best player on the market. He has a lifetime average of 309 with a 402OBP and 189 home runs. He would also be an asset defensively.

Conclusion

With the lockout still on hold, the team is not much better than last seasonWith the lockout still on hold, team is not much better than last season. Replacing Hunter Renfroe’s bat will be difficult. However, his twelve errors were the worst in the league. Resigning Kyle Schwarber will be tough even if the Luxury tax increases a little after the strike. Look for the team to pursue Seiya Suzuki is the most logical candidate.

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Dealing With MLB’s Boring Offseason

Baseball fans are dealing with Major League Baseball’s boring offseason. Free agency is the beauty of sports. This year is an entirely different situation. MLB commissioner Rob Manford announced a work stoppage in November. Team’s and facilities shut down until further notice. With Covid on the rampage, fans are bracing for a long and bleak winter. In this post, we will discuss three areas that the Red Sox needs to focus on when the stoppage ends.

Starting Pitching

In the early days of free agency starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez signed with Detroit. The move puts added pressure on the staff. Currently, the club has two starters, Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi. Whether Garrett Whitlock or Tanner Houck can crack the starting rotation, we will see in spring training.

Before the stoppage, General Manager Chaim Bloom signed Rich Hill and Jim Paxton to contracts. Paxton is recovering from Tommy John. His status is in limbo. The interesting issue with his deal is, they have a club option for two years. With time and patience, he could be a diamond in the rough. The ex _Mariner and Yankee can be tough when healthy.

Rich Hill, on the other hand, is reuniting with the Red Sox. He pitched from 2010 until 2012 and again in 2015. Last season he was 7-8 with a 3.86 ERA splitting time with Toronto and, the New York Mets.

First Base Help

Last season rookie Bobby Dalbec had a breakout year. The first_ year player cracked twenty_ five home rubs and drove in seventy_ eight runs. Questions arose regarding his defense. As the season progressed, his fielding improved.

A possible free_ agent signee is Mitch Moreland. Moreland spent the past year with the Oakland Athletics.

Bullpen Overhaul

The Red Sox bullpen was inconsistent in 2021. They had a team ERA of 4.26 seventh in the American League. Save wise, the club had 49 second best in the league. rookie Garrett Whitlock was a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Fellow teammate Tanner Houck split time between relief and starting. Closer Matt Barnes was dominant in the first half and shaky in the second half. A fresh face will be a welcomed addition for fans.

Conclusion

Last season, the team exceeded all expectations. Finishing 92-70, they were the surprise of baseball. Alex Cora had his option picked up. Wise spending is the key to contention once the work stoppage ends.

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Red Sox OffSeaspn Wish List This Winter

With the World Series in the books, It’s time to examine the Red Sox off _season wish list this winter. MLB Free Agency officially opens for business. The Red Sox list of free agents includes Jose Inglesias, Travis Shaw, Adam Ottavino, Hansel Robles, JD Martinez, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Kyle Schwarber. Out of the group, Rodriguez is the most obvious to sign. Currently, Rodriguez has an 8.3 million dollar salary. Rodriguez was the club’s ace in 2021. But with a high ERA of 4.70, the Red Sox may want to consider a cheaper option. Schwarber was acquired at the trade deadline, where he hit 291 with 7 home runs and 18 RBI’s. At 1.5 million, the Sox could say goodbye, to JD Martinez and make Schwarber an everyday outfielder.

Bullpen Issues

Every major league team needs to beef up its bullpen. The Red Sox are no different. In 2021, the club exceeded expectations with 92 wins. The bullpen finished the season with 49 saves second best in the league. The team ERA was a modest4.26 seventh _best in the American League.

The Red Sox payroll stands at 147 million dollars for the 2022 season. That means that they may lose Eduardo RodriguezEduardo Rodriguez. Currently, Rodriguez earns 8 million dollars per year. Look for that to double if he tests the free_ agent market. Potential fer_agents include Liam Hendricks of Oakland, Brad Hand, Toronto, Jake McGee, Colorado, Joakim Soria, and Archie Bradley of the Reds.

With the team’s salary cap issues, I like Brad Hand and Joakim Soria. Forget getting Liam Hendriks. although he saved 38 games last year, his price tag will be too high. As for Hand, he was released last year by the Nationals and claimed by the. Mets.

Starting Pitching Concerns

This is where it gets interesting. This year’s free_agent class is immense. Some notable names are Freddie Freeman, Joc Pederson, Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Michael Pineda, Justin Velrander.

If Rodriguez departs, I like Michael Pineda on a two_year deal. Despite issues with elbow inflammation he would bring solid value.

Option number two would be to release Garrett Richards and Martin Perez. A perfect fit would be Justin Verlander on a one year. My third choice is Robbie Ray. Ray is a gutsy player whose stock has risen. An excellent fastball, slider, and curveball would be ideal in Fenway.

Depth Issues

Overall, the Red Sox roster is stacked. Forget the team going after a big name. One name that would help is Marcus Semien. Semien had a career year belting 45 homers, and knocking in 102 RBI’s, for Toronto. Would be the perfect Fenway hitter. A two_year deal is a possibility until prospect Nick Yorke is ready. The issue is his 18 million dollar salary.

Another upgrade need is the outfield. Danny Santana isn’t enough. Some names to consider are Michael Conforto, and Dodger utility man Chris Taylor.

Conclusion

Team president Chaim Bloom has some work to do. Fans are impatient for another championship. A lot depends on what Rodriguez does. Look for JD Martinez to opt_ out. Kyle Schwarber would be a perfect replacement.

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Red Sox Still Alive In The AL East

Despite recent struggles, the Red Sox is still alive in the AL East. After taking two out of three in Seattle, the team has won seven in a row. With eleven games left, it boils down to the starting pitching. Chris Sale is healthy and winning. Nathan Eovaldi is one of the league _best. With a weekend series against the Yankees, the team cannot afford to make silly mistakes. Fundamentals have been a major issue with this team. In this post, we will review the club’s strengths.

Chris Sale Is Healthy And Winning

Since being reactivated with Tommy John surgery, Chris Sale is 5-0. Despite an issue with Covid, the teams’, pitching is its’ strong point. With Sale pitching like Sale, the Red Sox are just as good as anyone.

With, fourteen pitchers, the team is flexible. Garrett Richards has been a shining star. c is healthy from Covid. Rookie Garrett Whitlock is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.

The success of the club falls on Chris Sales health. Nathan Eovaldi has been the unit’s ace all year. Eduardo Rodriguez has been inconsistent. A successful postseason depends on the starting pitching.

A Smart Manager In Alex Cora

Despite, a second_ half slide, manager Alex Cora has the club in the thick of the race. The team has rediscovered itself since the Covid outbreak. He has managed to utilize Kyle Schwarber and JD Martinez.

The organization has also gotten convincing performances from its bench. Late _season additions Travis Shaw, Jose Iglesias have contributed significantly. Cora has managed to keep loose and winning. Late game heroics have also benefitted the team.

With thirteen players out with Covid, Alex Cora has the club playing tough hard_ nosed baseball. If the team can play smart baseball, the playoffs will be a success.

The Emergence Of Bobby Dalbec

First baseman Bobby Dalbec has emerged as a quality first baseman. With, early_ season stumbles, Dalbec was Player of the Month for August. With, 23 home runs and 78 rbi’s Dalbec is only getting better. He and Hunter Renfroe continue to get clutch hits.

Defensively, Dalbec continues to shine. Prior to August, he was heavily criticized for not making routine plays. He is clearly the team’s best hitter as of this moment. If the club needs to keep winning, then they need Dalbec to stay hot.

Conclusion

With nine games left, the Red Sox are in a good spot. Sound baseball is the recipe for success. Committing poor base running mistakes and sloppy defense will not get it done.

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Red Sox Bullpen Paying Dividends

With the baseball season a quarter of the way over, the Red Sox are game and a half behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. One reason for their early season success is the performance of the bullpen. In this post, we will examine three reasons why the Red Sox bullpen is paying dividends.

Offseason Signings Stepping Up

In the off_ season, the organization shored up the bullpen significantly. Adam Ottavino, Matt Andriese, and Garrett Whitlock have stepped up. Rule 5 pickup Garrett Whitlock has been one of the best relievers in baseball. Ex Yankee Adam Ottavino has been lights out in his last dozen appearances. Right_ hander Matt Andriese has been up and down. If the team wants to retake first place, the bullpen will have to continue to pitch on a high level.

Matt Barnes Having All_ Star Season

The veteran reliever is experiencing an All_Star season In 23 games he is 1-1 with a nifty 2.63 ERA. His 11 saves rank him at the top in MLB. If he stays on his current pace he will be the difference between the club having a winning season. Statistically, the team has a 2.84 ERA the seventh _best in baseball.

Bullpen Has Depth

The unit has been receiving valuable contributions from Darwinzon Hernandez, Hirokazu Sawamura, Phillips Valdez, and Darwinzon Hernandez. Hernandez has been Alex Cora’s most electrifying reliever. At some point, I feel Hernandez will be a starter with his proficiency.

Conclusion

If the team hopes to make the playoffs, it will fall on the pitching. The Red Sox has been enjoying quality starts from Nick Pivetta, Nathan Eovaldi, and Garrett Richards. Richards has turned his season around after a disappointing start. A consistent bullpen is a priority for a rewarding post_season.

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3 Issues Concerning Red Sox Pitching

After 37 games, there are 3 issues concerning Red Sox pitching. With a 22-15 record they are 2 games ahead of the Yankees. Most fans would be ecstatic. Compared to last season the team is far ahead of expectations. In this post, we will evaluate the Red Sox, pitching staff.

3 Issues Concerning Red Sox Pitching

Logjam Of Pitchers

Considering the team is the best hitting team in the league, they are carrying 13 pitchers. With managers carrying 27 players, the starters are getting pulled too early. With 5 starting pitchers 8 are sitting in the bullpen.

In, the last 10 games the starters have gone 5 innings putting pressure on the offense. Burning out the bullpen early is not a healthy scenario. With a 162 game schedule getting pulled after 5 innings won’t cut it in July and August. Eduardo Rodriguez and Nick Pivetta are both undefeated but have struggled after the 5th inning.

Garrett Whitlock/Shining Star

Rule 5 acquisition Garrett Whitlock has been the team’s shining star. With an impressive 0.63 ERA and 19 strikeouts, Whitlock has been one of the best relievers in baseball. Averaging 2 innings per appearance he has paved the way for Matt Barnes.

If Whitlock can stay on his current pace he will be a lock for the AL All_Star team. He has been a shining star. Matt Barnes has been stellar has a closer.

Help In The Pipeline

It’s still far to early to predict where the Red Sox will finish. One fact for sure is the starters need to go deeper into games. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez seems to be healthy after a stint with Coved 19. Will his strong outings continue?

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Chris Sale who missed all of 2020 has started throwing off the mound. I do not expect Sale to be activated until September at the earliest. So where does that leave Alex Cora? Pitchers Tanner Houck and Eduardo Bazardo were up earlier but got sent back down. Either one is ready. The team claimed Brandon Workman off waivers from the Cubs.

My gut feeling is it will be Brandon Workman or Connor Seabold. Seabold was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies last July for Workman.

Conclusion

If the club expects to make the playoffs, it starts with the pitching. Manager Alex Cora has been pulling his starters too early. Garrett Richard’s last two outings have been superb. Relying on the bullpen too early and often may result in disappointment.