Red Sox breakout candidates for the 2020 season

BOSTON, MA - JULY 30: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 30, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 30: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 30, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Red Sox SP Collin McHugh:

Collin McHugh is in an interesting spot right now. It’s not 100% clear where he is when it comes to recovering from an elbow injury. He did not appear in a single Spring Training game in 2020. Assuming he is healthy for the start of the 2020 season, McHugh can definitely be one of the stars of the rotation.

From 2014-2019, he had many high moments with the Houston Astros. In his first three years with the team, McHugh had double-digit wins in all of them. Just two years ago, he had a sub-two ERA out of the bullpen in 58 games.

If he is able to bounce back from his elbow injury, hopefully he can return to how he played back when he won a combined 43 games from 2014-2016. If being a starter doesn’t work out, he could be shifted to the bullpen as he has had success there as well. Either way, there is a lot to look forward to seeing with McHugh.

We can definitely see a breakout from McHugh due to his success with the Astros. In his six full seasons with the team, he has consistently been good, no matter where he has played. Whether he is used a starter (which is more likely) or as a reliever, he can succeed either way.

McHugh probably has the most experience compared to most of the pitchers that are on the Red Sox as well. As long as he continues to pitch in simulated games before the start of the 2020 season, McHugh can be huge for this team.