Possible Red Sox breakout candidates for the 2021 season
By Rick McNair
Possible Red Sox surprise players for 2021
Who will be the Boston Red Sox breakout performer for 2021? Just what is a breakout? Breaking out from mediocrity? An unexpected surprise like discovering $20 in your pants pocket? A player who brings his game to the next level such as Carl Yastrzemski in 1967? A rookie who suddenly discovers he can really play this game? Or a player signed that saves a season such as Koji Uehara in 2013?
In a bygone era, the Red Sox had a Tenth Player Award or as some would state an “unsung hero.” The award has been on hiatus for several seasons but examining some of the names for the official and unofficial winners show that the criteria mentioned above apply. The winners have an eclectic mix that includes Mo Vaughn to Mike Timlin. Or superstar season to gritty veteran going further than expected.
The Red Sox roster for 2021 certainly will have a mix of players with the potential of providing the statistical attributes that could be termed unexpected, surprising, or stepping it up to the next level. A few of my choices.