Boston Red Sox: 2021 stat predictions for four key players
The stars need to align just right for the Red Sox to compete in 2021
The Boston Red Sox will have to receive plenty to help from their supporting cast this season on a path to the postseason. However, without proper production from the stars, none of the extra production holds any value. Let’s take a dive into some predictions for Boston’s big names in the lineup in 2021.
Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts
2020: .300 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI
The 28-year old shortstop is perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle for Boston heading into this campaign. On pace for one of the best seasons of his career in 2020 if not for the pandemic, Xander Bogaerts is poised to have yet another stellar season.
He’s currently nursing some shoulder soreness that in part is attributed to COVID restrictions in his home country of Aruba which limited his offseason workouts. Bogaerts should be ready for Opening Day, as Chaim Bloom has already stated it’s nothing of major concern, and that rest is the proper treatment for him.
Should all go according to plan, Xander will be out on the diamond making a huge impact once again.
2021 prediction: .293, 28 HR, 97 RBI
Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers
2020: .263, 11 HR, 43 RBI
Rafael Devers is set to take yet another leap in his young career, this being his second time having Alex Cora as a mentor and manager in the first base dugout.
Raffy will need to become a more solid defender at the hot corner, as he’s been notorious for not having the best glove. But, if the production with his bat keeps climbing, Boston will have no complaints.
In his last full season, Devers launched 32 homers and tallied 115 RBI, which was enough to garner some MVP chatter back in 2019. Devers is evolving before our eyes, and I believe he takes an even bigger jump this year.
2021 prediction: .303 AVG, 36 HR, 104 RBI
Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez
2020: .283 AVG, 7 HR, 23 RBI
Christian Vazquez is slated to once again be the everyday catcher in 2021, and rightfully so, as the Puerto Rican was one of Boston’s biggest surprises and lone bright spots of a forgetful 2020 season.
While the numbers may not seem all that glamorous, if you watched and paid attention to the games you saw his bat really take a significant step forward and his defense was stout, accruing just one error in 390 chances. Vazquez makes a much bigger impact than you might recognize, even though the numbers won’t necessarily tell you that.
2021 prediction: .260 AVG, 13 HR, 67 RBI, .998 F%
Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo
2020: .308, 6 HR, 15 RBI
Alex Verdugo, in all likelihood, will be the everyday right fielder for Alex Cora’s club in 2021, and he’s tasked with taking on an even bigger role for Boston this season. Cora has already said he plans to slot Verdugo in either the leadoff or second slot in the order, thrusting the 25-year old into a humongous spot. But, by the looks of it, he’s ready to handle it.
Don’t be too surprised if he experiences some early struggles, but by mid-summer has things clicking on all cylinders. Just now entering his prime, Verdugo has already won over the Boston fans and seems to embrace his role in the organization quite well.
2021 prediction: .287 AVG, 22 HR, 86 RBI
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These four, and then some, will need to make a big splash right out of the gates to get the Red Sox off on the right foot out of the gates in 2021. While we’ve yet to see a whole bunch of these names in spring training, it may be better off to save the gas in the tank for when it really counts. Then Boston can put the pedal to the metal and take off.
Who do YOU think will have the biggest impact on the Red Sox in 2021? Let me know in the comments section!