The Boston Red Sox got off to an unforeseen start to the season. The starting rotation has been better than expected and the bullpen has been lights out, save for one rough outing against the Angels.
The first week of the 2024 campaign was slow for Boston offensively but the bats are beginning to catch up. All the while, the Sox have been bringing good vibes and high energy into their games and they've danced their way to a 6-3 record.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been praised by Craig Breslow for the culture he's created in the clubhouse and it's showing on the field. After an offseason of negativity, the Sox are showing how far a good attitude can get them, collecting wins in the process.
A few players in particular have shot off to impressive starts for the 2024 Red Sox. They've been bringing the electricity on and off the field and they deserve some props for their early-season impact.
3 Red Sox bringing the energy to set the tone early in 2024
Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta has made two starts as Boston's No. 2 starter and so far he's been dominant in his role. He's posted a 0.82 ERA and he's collected 13 strikeouts and issued just one walk in 11 innings pitched.
Pivetta's presence on the mound is one of the better parts of his performances, though. When he's locked in, his emotions are palpable. A video recently circulated of Pivetta screaming to his infield while they turned a one-out double play to get them out of a bases-loaded jam. His celebration of his teammates is electric.
"Took a team effort today and it was a good team effort win."
— NESN (@NESN) April 3, 2024
Nick Pivetta on the Red Sox 1-0 victory over the Athletics. #RedSox | https://t.co/jyk3EsbxuY pic.twitter.com/ZLwDIMk8rG
Pivetta also isn't shy about praising his teammates when credit is due. He complimented Trevor Story for his defense and leadership and he credited Ceddanne Rafaela for his standout showings in center field. The righty has shown out on the mound and he's proved himself worthy of the responsibility of the second starting spot, but his energy and level of support for his teammates makes Pivetta's starts even better.
Jarren Duran
The end of the offseason was littered with rumors that the Red Sox were looking to trade Jarren Duran. After his breakout season as Boston's leadoff hitter, the rumblings about a Duran trade came as a surprise to many fans.
Yes, we know, it's still early in the season, but the Sox must be happy they held onto him now.
Duran has been on a tear for Boston. He's batting .378/.439/.459 and he's tied with Brice Turang and Jose Siri for a league-leading six stolen bases. He also hammered the game-winning home run of the Sox's April 6 game against the Angels, his first of the season. The outfielder opened the year slowly and he racked up strikeouts, but he's since found ways to get on base through scrappy at-bats and better swing decisions.
In Tanner Houck's words, Duran is "a menace on the base paths." His athleticism and speed cause opposing players to panic and often give the Red Sox an advantage. The lefty is also a staple in the Red Sox's pregame dance circles and he's been seen breaking it down in the dugout, bringing more energy to his team.
Duran is a spark plug for offense and for the "good vibes" of which Cora previously spoke. If he can continue his utter dominance on the base paths, Duran will be an integral part of Boston's lineup all season.
Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela's been mostly quiet at the plate so far, but his presence in center field is far from that.
The rookie outfielder has made multiple electric plays, from diving catches to robberies by the wall. He's played a huge part in the improvement in Boston's defense and he makes catches the Sox's other outfielders could only dream of — at least, at this point.
Rafaela's offensive presence has dipped since spring training, which is understandable for a rookie. But the center fielder has had a clutch moment in him when the Sox needed it. Rafaela has posed five hits, two going for extra bases, five runs and three RBI.
The 24-year-old exudes confidence in the outfield. His ability to track fly balls is exceptional and his speed ranked in the 85th percentile in MLB last year, per Baseball Savant. He's made some Gold Glove-caliber plays just a few games into the season and he's already earning comparisons to former Red Sox defensive juggernaut, Jackie Bradley Jr. If Rafaela can find himself at the plate and continue his stretch in center field, he could force his way into the American League Rookie of the Year conversation.