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

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 11: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after winning game four of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 11: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after winning game four of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox INF/OF Kiké Hernández
ST PETERSBURG, FL – OCTOBER 08: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a game tying solo home run during the fifth inning of game two of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on October 8, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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.

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