We’ve become spoiled in Boston the past few seasons. Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. have been patrolling the outfield in Fenway Park for the last few years and Benintendi joining those two full time has only helped to improve Boston’s outfield corps.
Benintendi is a solid left fielder playing in an outfield where solid defense might be overkill. Bradley Jr. is one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball and can make difficult plays look incredibly routine. And then there’s Betts. Betts led baseball in Defense Runs Saved in 2016 and finished second to Andrelton Simmons in the same category this past season.
All told, the Red Sox outfield combined for 60 Defensive Runs Saved in 2017. That’s a mind-blowing number and easily the best of any outfield in baseball. This year should be much of the same and there’s almost nothing as fun as watching this young trio catch everything in their path.
With a rotation comprised of mostly flyball pitchers, this component of Boston’s defense couldn’t be more important. They’re one of my favorite reasons to watch the Red Sox and I’m ecstatic to see them again this year.
And then there are the victory dances.