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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 3B Rafael Devers
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 14: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox slips his bat after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Fenway Park on August 14, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) /

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.

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