The Red Sox send a pair of infielder to the All-Star Game
Last season, the Red Sox became the first team since the Jeter/A-Rod Yankees to send both their starting shortstop and third baseman to the All-Star game starting lineup. This year, I predict that the Red Sox will again send two infield starters to the All-Star game, but this time it will be Trevor Story joining Rafael Devers rather than Xander Bogaerts.
The idea of Rafael Devers starting the All-Star game is not all that surprising. After all, he’s one of the most talented young hitters in the game, and should only be better in 2022 as he enters his prime. Bogaerts, however, has to compete with fellow AL shortstops Bo Bichette, Wander Franco, and Carlos Correa, all of whom are more talented, more well-rounded, and more flashy than the Red Sox star.
His new double-play partner has far less competition. Pretty much Story’s only obstacle to a starting spot in the AL starting lineup is Brandon Lowe, who plays for the small-market Rays, and Jose Altuve, who is despised by MLB fans, especially in the AL. Story is still in the honeymoon phase with his new fans, and should rise that good sentiment to a spot in the AL starting lineup alongside Devers.