Red Sox Bold Predictions: Projecting the 2020 lineup
By Rick McNair
Outfield
I expect Andrew Benintendi and Betts to be back with Benintendi sliding over to center unless the Red Sox delve into a low-cost free agent option. Bradley will be moved even though Benintendi has a higher trade value based on service time. We’ve heard of the past few seasons of the attempts to move JBJ and I think this is the time they finally get the job done.
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The Red Sox could utilize Rusney Castillo but that is as likely as me being named Hunk of the Year. So who plays the missing outfield position? Gorkys Hernandez? Brock Holt? Carmen Miranda? TBD (To Be Determined)? Travis or Chavis? The minors offer up nothing – yet. So I’m going with that free agent glut and some astute scouting/luck/dumb luck to corner someone with a pulse, .260 average, and capable of capturing a fly ball without a pratfall.
The Red Sox could also shift Martinez to the outfield since his bat is quite capable of outdistancing what his glove will give back. That is all predicated on Martinez staying and quite possibly adding a free agent DH. With so much uncertainty heading into this winter only time will tell what version of the Red Sox we’ll see come Opening Day.
Next. Rick Porcello finishing season on a positive note. dark
The Red Sox will play it out with Betts since Betts is a once in a generation player. A five-tool All-Star who even in what is classified as a less than spectacular season (2019) is still spectacular unless you are Mike Trout. The contract machinations should be enjoyable.
*Stats via Fangraphs through 9/20