Boston Red Sox: Grading the team after their fast 2021 start

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BOSTON, MA – MAY 6: Alex Verdugo #99 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting an RBI-single in the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park on May 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

This is not your 2018 Red Sox outfield

Gone is the threesome that were high-end contributors and now the picket line has one solid player – Alex Verdugo. He’s a Trot Nixon who can hit lefties or a Mike Greenwell who can play defense. A solid hitter and entertaining player.

Hunter Renfroe has shown a sign of life recently and that could well have saved his job. The right-hand hitter certainly has some pop to his bat. Renfroe can also play some solid defense, has excellent defensive instincts, and a very good arm.

Enrique Hernández signed a two-year deal and is a solid player, but not spectacular with the glove or bat. A 99 wRC+ and 0.5 fWAR are well into the OK category. Mookie Betts spoiled us offensively and Jackie Bradley Jr. did so defensively. I suspect Jarren Duran will be looking for an apartment in Boston by the end of May.

People make mistakes in personal relationships, finances, health choices, and a variety of other impacting issues. Chaim Bloom also makes mistakes and when Franchy Cordero’s name is on the lineup card it is there to see.

Grade C

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