Red Sox: Predicting Boston’s 2022 Opening Day staring lineup

Examing the Boston Red Sox 2022 Opening Day lineup

The owners and players are meeting once again today and so far it’s been one of the longest and possibly most successful get together between the two sides. As the sun is shining through my window and the air is warm, I’m in a positive mood so I’m going to look toward the future. Even with spring training delayed, I think we should examine what the Red Sox lineup will look like when Opening Day rolls around.

There are plenty of familiar faces that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but I do have a few selections that are definitely straying from the norm for the organization.

I believe that once the lockout ends and the floodgates open, Chaim Bloom and his team will be making phone calls left, right, and center. We know the names that are still on the board and more specifically the ones that have been linked to Boston.

With all of that said, I don’t have the roster changing too much from the one we saw last on the field in 2021, but there are a few new pieces here and there. The Red Sox came within two games of the World Series last year and I think the few tweaks I have in my lineup could very well get them back to the Fall Classic.

Let’s take a look!

Red Sox 2B: Kiké Hernández

Kiké Hernández has only been with the Red Sox for a single season but he may go down as one of the most beloved free agent signings in history. He was brought in to be a utilityman as the club had multiple vacancies that he could cover, but things would change in a hurry. It was thought that he would spend most of his time at second base but found himself spending twice as much time in centerfield.

Kiké would turn into one of the most dynamic centerfielders there was in 2021 and has the silverware to show for it. Whether it be his diving catches, his rocket arm, or just flashing his speed to make up ground, he was fantastic to watch.

With the return of Jackie Bradley Jr., who I will bring back up later on, and the expected reemergence of Jarren Duran, I think Hernández is the odd man out.

I’d like to see him back in the infield getting the lion’s share of the playing time while Alex Cora continues to figure out exactly what he has in Christian Arroyo.

Kiké quickly became a team leader in the clubhouse as well with his high energy personality and willingness to give his all every night. He also wasn’t afraid to call out the Yankees after the Bronx Buffoons trash-talked the Red Sox ahead of the Wild Card Game.

While his .250/.337/.449 slash may not be the prettiest, when the calendar flipped to October he became the hottest hitter in the game today. Seriously, we’re talking David Ortiz in 2013 levels of insane. In the 2021 Postseason, he tallied 10 hits, 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 homers while scoring nine runs with six RBI. Gotta love that.

Red Sox SS: Xander Bogaerts

The man, the myth, the legend, and the uncrowned Captain of the Boston Red Sox. Xander Bogaerts is the definition of a homegrown talent that worked to become a superstar. On a daily basis, I have to shake my head that this man doesn’t get the credit that he does for being as good as he is. Whenever the conversation about shortstops makes its rounds it always feels like Xander is left off the list of the best in the league.

Xander has been the foundation of this team since his debut in 2013 and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. He’s got two rings to his name along with three All-Star nods and four Gold Gloves. I have zero issues admitting that he isn’t the strongest in the defensive department of the game but what he does with his bat more than makes up for it.

Bogey has the ability to opt-out of his current contract after this season and it feels like he more than likely will. Reports from early in the offseason made it seem like he wants to opt-out in order to get himself a more player-friendly deal and eventually retire with the Red Sox. His last contract was very favorable to the organization and with the rate for shortstops skyrocketing, it’s time to pay the X-Man.

It’s hard to dislike Xander and I would be pressed to find someone that actually does. He’s not perfect and he may not make every play, but it isn’t for a lack of effort or desire. I want to see him play every game of his career in Boston and eventually hang his cleats up at Fenway Park. As far as I’m concerned, he can call shortstop home for as long as he wants.

Red Sox 3B: Rafael Devers

Carita is one of the scariest hitters in the batter’s box going. Rafael Devers may come off as a playful fun-loving guy but the man can absolutely be ruthless to any and every pitcher he wants. Boston’s young third baseman is not a threat whatsoever with his glove and that’s something the team will have to address in the near future.

Many, myself included, think he’ll more than likely wind up being the new Red Sox DH after this season as J.D. Martinez will be hitting free agency. For as good as Martinez has been in Boston, his age sure doesn’t lend itself to another contract and with the universal DH coming, his future with the club is all but decided.

When all is said and done, Devers has the possibility of going down with some of the greats of the game if he can stay healthy and continue on this trajectory. With each passing season, he adds more chapters to the history books and etches his name alongside legends of this beautiful game. From Ted Williams to Albert Pujols, the greatest of the sport will all see Rafael Devers next to them in the records.

The Red Sox need to address his contract as the third baseman is in arbitration and will be a free agent in 2024. Similar to Xander, the market will determine what Devers will get paid in his next contract and if Chaim doesn’t act quickly, they can be outpriced in a hurry. Getting an extension in front of Raffy before Opening Day would be the best plan of attack for the organization.

Red Sox LF: Alex Verdugo

Alex Verdugo is a man that was given the undesirable task of being compared to Mookie Betts every single night of the season has become one of the most clutch hitters in this lineup. Whether it’s walk-offs early in the season or a big defensive play as October approaches, Verdugo has been more than advertised since joining the Red Sox.

I believe that his spot in left-field is more than safe as Boston doesn’t really have anyone that will contest for the position anytime soon. As the offseason has progressed I’ve seen some want him shifted over to right field with the exit of Hunter Renfroe but he feels right at home where he is. He reads the Green Monster incredibly well and has a rifle of an arm to back it up.

Dugie made his Postseason debut in 2021 and when the lights were the brightest he stepped up in a massive way. He slashed .310/.383/.452 with five hits, one stolen base, and five free passes. While his regular season, .289/.351/.426 was impressive, that effort in October was a big reason why the Sox made it as far as they did.

Much like Kiké, he was a quick fan favorite with Red Sox Nation, and with a few seasons under his belt, he’s positioning himself for a breakout year in 2022. As long as he keeps up the energy and his level of play on the field, the sky is the limit and he can stake his claim as a star on this team.

Red Sox CF: Jackie Bradley Jr.

The return of possibly the greatest defensive centerfielder in Red Sox history was not something I expected to happen this winter. When Jackie Bradley Jr. departed via free agency before the 2021 season I thought our defense would take a serious hit in the outfield. Thanks to the strong play of Kiké Hernández while being flanked by Verdugo and Renfroe it wasn’t a big drop-off.

The thing is, there aren’t many that can patrol an outfield quite like JBJ, especially centerfield at Fenway Park. I’ve lost count of how many times my jaw has hit the floor thanks to some sort of defensive wizardry put on display by Jackie. The man has robbed more hits than anyone I can recall in recent memory.

Now, it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine with Jackie as the man isn’t what you would call a powerhouse in the batter’s box. JBJ doesn’t earn his paycheck with his bat-like other players in the league, he earns it with his glove. I’ve seen some worry about adding his bat back into the lineup but it isn’t something that overly concerns me as it’s something we’re used to.

The Red Sox have had one of the best offenses year after year with and without Bradley in the order, but I’ll gladly take his glove back. Plus I don’t believe he’ll be an everyday player as Jarren Duran is chomping at the bit to get that spot full-time. JBJ will likely platoon with Duran and mentor the young slugger as Boston transitions to the young prospect fully.

Red Sox RF: Seiya Suzuki

This is my other big change from the roster of 2021. All winter long we’ve seen Seiya Suzuki hanging out and palling around with Red Sox legend Koji Uehara and the bridge feels like it’s built. For most of the offseason, Boston has been the favorite to gain the services of the Japanese superstar and I align myself with that belief.

Adding his power bat alongside his strong defense to this lineup could mean bad things for the league. One of the best offenses going adding in one of the best hitters Japan has to offer could only mean good things. Granted, we know how international signings can go as Boston has seen the best and worst, but I have faith in this one.

Suzuki has nine years under his belt playing professionally in Japan and is ready to test himself in MLB. As winter turns to spring his list of suitors has grown but thanks to Koji it still feels like the Red Sox have the hot hand.

Seiya is a career .309/.402/.541 hitter with 189 bombs and 621 RBI. He does have a penchant for the strikeout as he has a 631/524 K/BB mix but Fenway Park will absolutely lend itself to his power.

Of course, we have no idea where Suzuki will go and we also have to think about the Kyle Schwarber elephant in the room. The Sox could easily find a way to make both work but I think one fully plays a part in the other.

Red Sox C: Christian Vázquez

Once again the king of the walk-offs will be calling the game behind home plate for Boston. Christian Vázquez has played his entire career with the Red Sox and he’ll be entering the final year of his current contract. I expect him to do everything he can to be more of the guy we saw back in 2019 when he posted career-high numbers all over the place.

I wasn’t surprised to see the Red Sox exercised his club-option for 2022 and with Connor Wong and Ronaldo Hernández in the minors ready to go, Vázquez could play a mentor role for the club. I’m not sure if he’ll see a new deal when he hits free agency next winter as he”ll be turning 32 later this season, but anything is possible thanks to his management of this pitching staff.

Vázqy played a big role in Boston’s Postseason surge as he delivered a walk-off to give them the 2-1 series lead in the ALDS and he would’ve been the walk-off run in Game 4 had he not been removed for a pinch-runner.

He has been the foundation of this pitching staff and commands the best from his charges. He’s also exceeded the league’s numbers in regards to catching runners on the base paths and has a career 36% CS% compared to the league’s 26%.

I love me some Christian Vázquez and I wouldn’t hate to see him play his career out with the Red Sox. He’s been a fantastic backstop for a franchise that has a history of quality catchers. I will say it’s impressive that somehow this team continues to find catchers that all carry their weight and come through when they’re needed. In his final year, I expect him to put on some fireworks.

Red Sox D.H.: J.D. Martinez

J.D. Martinez has been an absolute force since joining the Red Sox ahead of the 2018 season. The slugger had bounced around the league a bit with team after team seemingly giving up on him before he could fully put things together. Though his last two seasons in Boston haven’t been as dangerous as his first two, he did see a drastic resurgence in 2021.

Martinez showed trust in the Red Sox after winning the World Series with the club in 2018 by choosing to not exercise any of his opt-out clauses. He could’ve easily walked after each of the last three seasons but chose to remain in Boston and fight for the cause. He’s a fan favorite and clubhouse favorite as he balances having fun with a strong work ethic.

He’s now in his contract year and will be fighting for one final big payday as he’s on the back half of his career. Martinez will turn 35 before the season concludes and while he’s still putting up very strong numbers, his age will make teams wary of a big-money contract. luckily for him, the universal DH opens his services league-wide and he can spend the twilight of his career smacking bombs and hanging out on the bench, see Ortiz, David.

Despite the lockout, J.D. has been working hard in the lab perfecting the science that is hitting ahead of the 2022 campaign. I don’t want to dismiss a return after this season but if we know anything about Chaim Bloom it’s that he doesn’t often sign older players and he has no worries about trading those with expiring contracts.

J.D. checks both of those boxes and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him moved at the deadline. He has played a massive part in the success of this team in recent years and especially in 2018 and 2021. Even in 2019, a year the team tripped right out of the gates, he crushed it at the plate and did everything he could. Enjoy every chance you get to see him in a Red Sox uniform this season, we may not have many left.