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Red Sox: Boston’s five biggest surprises from the 2021 season

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6 to 5 during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6 to 5 during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox Nathan Eovaldi
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 06: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 06, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

Nathan Eovaldi Carries the Red Sox Rotation

Woo buddy, what can I say about Nathan Eovaldi that hasn’t already been said over the last few months? It’s not often that a pitcher in his 30’s that has as much wear and tear on his body as Nasty Nate posts his best season in year 10. Sure enough, the fireballing righty dug deep and put this pitching staff on his back and led them to the Postseason.

When Nate came here in 2018 he earned the admiration of Red Sox Nation right out of the gate. Injuries would dampen their opinion of him in 2019 but he would soon change that. He stepped up big time in 2020 during the COVID shortened season after Chris Sale was shut down for Tommy John, Eduardo Rodriguez battled the virus and myocarditis, and David Price was sent packing to Hollywood.

But 2021, this season, I don’t think anybody saw it coming. He led the AL in both starts (32), and FIP (2.79). He led all of Major League Baseball in BB/9 at a paltry 1.7, you weren’t getting a free pass off Nate in 2021. This past season saw him earn his first All-Star nod, a 15th-place MVP finish, and he just missed the Cy Young finals by a hair. Nothing to be ashamed of.

As a part of my ‘Bold Prediction‘ series, I said that Nate would walk away with 2022 carrying the Cy Young Award. He missed out on the honor by mere voting points this season and I think that may fuel the Texan to get even nastier when next season rolls around. I, for one, am all for it.

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