Every MLB team experiences injuries each year, but some change the course of seasons. The Boston Red Sox experienced quite a few campaign-altering blows this year, from Triston Casas' rib injury to Garrett Whitlock's Tommy John surgery.
But Boston's biggest "what if," according to Joel Rueter of Bleacher Report, is Lucas Giolito.
The Red Sox signed Giolito to a one-year deal with an option for a second, but the right-hander experienced elbow issues after his second spring training outing with his new team. Giolito underwent Tommy John surgery in March, which ended his season before it even started.
Sox fans never got to see the 30-year-old pitch in the regular season, but Boston signed him in hopes he'd post a rebound slate. Giolito has been inconsistent over his eight years in the big leagues, but he's flirted with eliteness. He earned Cy Young award votes in three of his seven seasons with the White Sox, including in 2019, when he was also named an All-Star.
Giolito is Boston's biggest "what if" in that his season could've gone two different ways had he been healthy. He could've posted the breakout season he hoped for and served as the Sox's ace this year, or his downward trend could've continued. The Sox will have to wait until 2025 to find out. But Trevor Story has already shown Boston fans what they missed all year while he was injured.
Bleacher Report names Lucas Giolito as Red Sox's biggest "what if," but Trevor Story deserves a mention
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The Red Sox struggled with offensive production from the right-handed batter's box this year. Tyler O'Neill, Rob Refsnyder, Connor Wong and Romy González posted great seasons as some of Boston's only righties, but Story's bat would've been a serious boost. He's batting .278/.350/.444 with three doubles, two homers and six RBI since his return to action.
The Red Sox's defense fell apart after Story's injury. They've made an MLB-leading 112 errors, many of which occurred in the middle infield. Story's defensive expertise could've saved the Sox a lot of runs and secured them more wins.
A healthy Story could've helped the Red Sox achieve consistency on both offense and defense, and the team seemed to bank on his ability to play every day this year. The shortstop's injury revealed Boston's critical lack of MLB-ready middle infield talent, but if he can stay healthy next year, the Sox should be in a much better position to contend for the postseason.