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

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 INF Kyle Schwarber
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: The Boston Red Sox dugout celebrate after Kyle Schwarber #18 of the Boston Red Sox hit a grand slam home run against the Houston Astros in the second inning of Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Red Sox take a trip to Waltham

This is easily one of my favorite things from this season, the trade for Kyle Schwarber. Chaim Bloom was raked over the coals for not making big flashy moves at the Trade Deadline, and yet, the Red Sox still made a deep run in October. Weird how that works. As he always does, he made deals that would best suit the team as opposed to the deals that would make headline news.

The addition of Schwarber was one that seemed to ignite a fire under the team and propelled them to the Postseason run we all enjoyed. His patience at the plate was instantly adopted by the rest of the lineup and the opposition paid for it. He also fit in instantly with the chemistry of this club and as a guy that never takes himself too seriously, the fans bought in as well.

Whether it was his celebration over achieving a simple ground out against the Rays in the ALDS or launching Schwarbombs all over the league, he was a great pickup by Bloom. Thanks to the fellas over at Section-10, Kyle would find a new home in Waltham, Mass.

The inside joke became such a reality that the town adopted Schwarber and he would donate pizzas to the local police and firehouses while also giving to charities in the area.

The slugger is a free agent but he and the Red Sox both expressed an interest in a reunion. With more than enough money in the budget and a great need for him in the lineup, I fully expect him to come back once the lockout ends. Having a bat and player the caliber of Schwarber in the lineup every night is a huge plus for AC and I’d love to see him back.

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