3 bold predictions for the Boston Red Sox 2023 season
Ending the 2022 season, the Red Sox had major question marks they needed to address needs within their clubhouse. With the departures of Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez, and Nathan Eovaldi, the front office found themselves needing to find some replacements for the 2023 season.
This off-season the, Red Sox addressed some of their concerns with a Chaim Bloom approach to free agency. The Red Sox looked to add veteran leadership to their bullpen by signing former World Series champion, Kenley Jenson. Bloom and company added strength to their starting rotation acquiring the two-time Cy Young winner, Corey Kluber. In one of the most underrated signings, the Red Sox signed Justin Turner with hopes to serve as the team's Designated Hitter.
The Boston Red Sox will look to bounce back from their disappointing season last year. After, finishing in dead last with a record of 78-84, the Sox need to turn to some young assets in hopes of reviving themselves into playoff contention.
Let's get to some of the young ascending stars who have the potential to make an immediate impact on the starting lineup.
Red Sox bold prediction No. 1: Triston Casas will have over 20 home runs
Since 2015, the Red Sox have had five different starting first basemen. From Bobby Dalbec to Michael Chavis, it's safe to say the Red Sox have been searching for consistency at first base. The Sox have yet to find their franchise first basemen. A rotating piece of the lineup that has been a general concern to most Sox fans.
This leads me to the potential hero, Triston Casas. Casas has emerged onto spring training with a batting average of .327, 18 hits, nine RBIs, and three home runs. To top it off, Casas finished the game with a walk-off two-run home run against the Braves on March 24. In Casas's minor league tenure, he belted 46 home runs and had a batting average of .269. So, power is not a concern for the 6-foot-4 left-handed batter.
The Sox have high hopes for the 23-year-old first baseman. With, Casas being named to the 2023 starting lineup expect a big bat to boost the Red Sox offensively.
Red Sox bold prediction No. 2: Masataka Yoshida will win AL Rookie of the Year
The Sox have high hopes for the 23-year-old first baseman. With, Casas being named to the 2023 starting lineup expect a big bat to boost the Red Sox offensively.
Masataka Yoshida may be the missing piece to the Red Sox outfield. Alongside Alex Verdugo and Adam Duvall, Yoshida will bring the energy to the Red Sox outfield. Yoshida was scorching hot in the Japanese league, Yoshida averaged a .326 batting average, and hit 135 home runs and 474 RBI's.
To be in the big leagues, you gotta be versatile. Yoshida showcased his amazing fielding within the Japanese league with a fielding percentage of .989. Playing seven seasons in Japan, Yoshida only committed 12 fielding errors throughout his career.
Masataka Yoshida is a dual-dimensional player that will bring versatility to the Red Sox starting lineup this year. The Red Sox have shown their commitment to the Japanese phenom, and anticipate Yoshida to return the favor on the field.
Expect Yoshida to be one of the brightest spots of this Boston Red Sox team making himself an AL Rookie of the Year candidate.
Red Sox bold prediction No. 3: Brayan Bello will become the Ace
The Boston Red Sox and their fans had huge expectations of Brayan Bello last year. Bello was ranked the top prospect emerging onto the scene last season, but things didn't go as expected for the young prospect. Bello inked a 2-8 record as a starter with an era of 4.71 in 13 games played.
Expect things to turn around this season for the right-handed pitcher. Brayan Bello has been putting in work to his mechanics this off-season. Bello has been spotted to be working with Former Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez. This may come as a surprise for some but even Pedro has high hopes for the rising star. "He showed that he can make the transition from the minor leagues to the big leagues, and at the same time be successful." stated, Martinez to Boston Globe's Julian McWilliams.
If Brayan Bello's time with the Worcester Woosox is a look into his career with the Red Sox, then it is a promising one. Bello was able to post a 6-2 record with a 2.76 ERA with the Woosox. Bello has notched 454 strikeouts during his time in the Minors.
Despite Bello's struggling start, Brayan Bello was able to rattle off an impressive month with the Red Sox last year. In September, Bello finished with an ERA of 1.79 and only five runs allowed.
With the starting rotation showing concern, Brayan Bello will be given many opportunities in the 2023 season to succeed. There's a strong chance Bello can take charge as the ace for the Boston Red Sox in 2023.