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Red Sox: Five player predictions for the upcoming 2017 season

By Ryan Spagnoli

Jul 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) celebrates his home run with shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) celebrates his home run with shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are five predictions about members of the Boston Red Sox roster for the 2017 season, as we prepare to enter spring training.

October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) hits a single in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) hits a single in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

With Spring Training right around the corner, the Boston Red Sox have arguably the best talent in the American League. With elite starting pitching, a stacked line-up and a strong back end of the bullpen, the Red Sox are deemed for a strong 2017 campaign.

However, their are always some surprises, whether it’s good or bad, over the course of a long season. So here’s my five predictions for the upcoming season:

1. Andrew Benintendi is ready for the spotlight

After the trade that sent Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech to Chicago, Andrew Benintendi could be the only young prospect to be inside Fenway Park this year.

After taking the majors by storm a year ago, you can pen in Benintendi to be the everyday left fielder this upcoming season. Benintendi, who was just ranked MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 prospect, is an offensive machine who could potentially be a consistent 185 to 200 hits per season guy for the Red Sox. He also showed his ability to drive the ball, so expect some pop in his bat as well.

After looking more comfortable at the Major League level as the year went on, Benintendi is due for a strong 2017 campaign seeing every day at-bats. There is always the scare of the “Sophomore slump” but Benintendi is a special player who adapted quickly to the major league level, so I couldn’t really see that happen.

In my eyes, Benintendi draws comparisons to Jacoby Ellsbury with his short and sweet lefty swing with terrific bat speed. I believe Benintendi could be in the .295 batting average, 16 home runs, 80 RBI’s, .343 OBP, .483 SLG and 15 stolen bases range hitting mainly out of the two hole.

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