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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 OF Alex Verdugo
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 04: Alex Verdugo #99 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after he drove in winning run against the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning at Fenway Park on September 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

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.

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