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Red Sox: Five players that can replace Mookie Betts in right field

By Brendan Mizgala

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 23: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on September 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 23: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on September 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 23: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox at bat during a game against the San Diego Padresat PETCO Park on August 23, 2019 in San Diego, California. Teams are wearing special color schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players’ Weekend. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Andrew Benintendi

For the first option to replace Mookie in the outfield I’m sticking with one of his battery mates. Andrew Benintendi has been an absolute defensive beast for the Red Sox despite never winning a Gold Glove. We’ve seen him master the Green Monster so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him be able to cover the other interesting angles of Fenway Park.

Benny had a serious down year in 2019 seeing declines in all of the major offensive categories. The left fielder hit .266/.343/.431/.774 with only 68 RBI. As far as his defense is concerned, he actually finished with a .990 Fld%, the highest of his career. He also saw the number of errors committed drop from last season, ending the year with just a pair.

This could be the opportunity that he needs in order to reinvigorate his career, especially with an arbitration hearing coming up. Now that Boston will be relying more heavily on his abilities that could strengthen his case for his wage demands.

Fenway’s right field is easily one of the most interesting and challenging areas to roam in the Majors. Between the tricky angles around Pesky’s Pole, the short walls, and the bullpen, it’s a tough task for anyone. I feel that Benintendi would be a good choice to replace Betts, at least to begin the season. He has the capabilities, it’s just a matter of getting the reps to get more familiar with that side of the outfield.

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