Red Sox Predictions: Boston’s starting lineup for Opening Day 2020

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after catching the final out of the game during the ninth inning of game four of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on October 17, 2018 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after catching the final out of the game during the ninth inning of game four of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on October 17, 2018 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 25: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after hitting a two-run homerun in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 25, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 25: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after hitting a two-run homerun in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 25, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Red Sox Catcher

Ya know how I’ve used the phrase, “no-brainer,” a few times above? Yeah, this is one of those cases again. Christian Vazquez has become an absolute rock for the Red Sox and will be exactly that for Ron Roenicke this season. After years of rotating with Sandy Leon and even Blake Swihart, 2019 was the breakout campaign for Vazqy.

With the job solely in his possession he surpassed any and all expectations Red Sox Nation had for him. The man hit more homers in 2019 than he had in his entire career to that point!

Not to forget, his fielding is some of the best behind the dish not just the AL, but the entire MLB. Vazquez is as reliable as it comes when he’s behind the plate, not just in how he manages his pitching staff but when it comes to runners on base.

Up until 2019, his offense had been his Achilles’ heel but that seems to have gone away now. The big question will be if it was just a surge due to becoming the everyday catcher or if that’s what we can come to expect from him. I’d like to think its more of the latter and less of the former, but only time will tell. One thing’s for sure, I’m excited as hell to see what Vazqy can do in 2020.

Schedule