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Ten reasons to look forward to the 2022 Red Sox season

By Daniel Fox

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his game winning sacrifice fly with teammates in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays 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 his game winning sacrifice fly with teammates in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays 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 3B Rafael Devers
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 03: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting the game winning two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

The superstardom of Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers

The progression of Rafael Devers has been both steady and impressive. Devers has always flashed elite potential, but his plate discipline and struggles against lefties held him back in his first couple of seasons. Devers broke out in 2019 with a .311/.361/.555 slash line and was arguably even better in 2021, setting career highs in home runs with 38 and walks with 62.

Yet even while Devers continues to rise up the rankings of the best third baseman in the game, there is still room for him to grow. He has improved a bit versus southpaws, but he still hits nearly 200 points higher against right-handed pitching. His power, meanwhile, may have had increased to a career-best level in 2021, but his average dipped over thirty points from 2019. His defense has not improved at the same level as his offense, as he is just as likely to make a sprawling diving catch as he is to airmail a routine play.

Still, it’s easy to forget that Devers is just 24 years old and has not even reached his prime yet. He has shown the ability to be both a .300 hitter and top-of-the-line slugger, albeit in different seasons. If Devers could put it all together, he would become one of the best hitters in the game.

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