4 Red Sox spring training overreactions after first week of play

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Despite the unimpressive offseason by the team, Boston Red Sox spring training has given fans a lot to look forward to.

The battle for the final spot in the starting rotation is in full swing, Rafael Devers is blasting home runs, and prospects are showing talent fans didn't expect from them for quite some time. Some of the successes are unforeseen after Boston spent very little money this offseason in comparison to some of its American League East counterparts.

Boston has recently been able to find success with a lower payroll and less impressive roster. Somehow, the 2021 Red Sox made it just two games away from World Series contention. The 2023 squad was just a few games from a winning record.

Sure, a star free-agent pitcher named Jordan Montgomery would really help the Sox win, but for now, Boston is working with what it's got, and there seem to be positive feelings around the club this spring.

At this point, Red Sox fans have been conditioned not to jump to conclusions. So we're here to jump for you.

4 Red Sox spring training overreactions after first week of action

Ceddanne Rafaela will force a Jarren Duran trade

At the end of the offseason and into the preseason, there was no shortage of rumors that Jarren Duran was going to be traded. And when manager Alex Cora admitted that Ceddanne Rafaela has a shot to make the team as the starting center fielder, the chatter only increased.

Rafaela is making a name for himself in spring training. In his 11 at-bats, he's clocked four hits (one of them a double) and logged four walks, one run, an RBI and two stolen bags. Rafaela has never been known for his eye, and seeing him post four walks in his first five spring training games is a sign of huge progress from the outfielder.

Duran has played just one spring training game so far. He underwent surgery to repair turf toe late last season and was still recovering until Friday when he made his 2024 debut. In his first two spring training at-bats, Duran didn't make much noise. He struck out and flied out.

He still has time to prove himself, but at the rate Rafaela is going, he may force the Sox to have to make a hard decision.

Wilyer Abreu could begin the season in the minor leagues

Another Red Sox rookie outfielder has not kicked off his spring training as well as Rafaela. Wilyer Abreu played 28 games in the majors last season and had some success at the plate. He batted .316/.388/.474 with an .862 OPS and showed Boston what to expect from him.

He's not having the same experience in the Grapefruit League. Abreu has logged just one hit in 13 at-bats and he's struck out seven times. He did manage an RBI on his single hit, though, and he collected a nice diving catch to save a few runs against the Cardinals.

With Rafaela posting great showings almost daily and veteran backup outfielder Rob Refsnyder having a good preseason — he has two hits and five RBI in seven at-bats — Abreu could be destined for Worcester on Opening Day.

Fans don't want that, but the fact of the matter is that could be the reality if his struggles drag on.

Nick Sogard will make the Opening Day roster

The Red Sox have been on the hunt for right-handed pop to add to the batting order, This spring training, 26-year-old non-roster invitee Nick Sogard has been giving it to them.

Sogard is an infield prospect who spent his 2023 season in Worcester. He batted .269/.367/.381 with the Woo Sox, but he's slugging up a storm in the Grapefruit League. In eight at-bats, Sogard is batting .500 with a 1.875 OPS. He's registered four hits (two of them home runs), three runs and five RBI.

Boston was on the lookout for infield depth until Friday afternoon when it signed CJ Cron to a minor-league deal. But maybe the answer for the Sox's infield depth woes rests right in front of them, already in the system.

Tanner Houck and Bobby Dalbec earn unexpected Opening Day roster roles

As the Red Sox pitchers battle it out for a slot in the starting rotation, Tanner Houck is rising up.

Houck has seen an uptick in his pitch velocity this offseason, which he attributes to being healthy and finding his old self. This spring training, Houck has pitched two innings and got out of them in seven pitches without allowing a single baserunner. He hasn't logged any strikeouts yet, but his command has been better.

Cora has expressed his confidence in Bobby Dalbec's ability to make the Opening Day roster this season and he's making good on his manager's assertions in the Grapefruit League. Dalbec has three hits, three runs scored, two walks and an RBI in 12 at-bats.

Dalbec still strikes out quite a bit — five times in five games -- but he's been training in the outfield to work on his defensive versatility and may be able to shuffle between the infield and outfield if all goes according to plan.

Houck will use his uptick in velocity and, hopefully, consistent command to land in the starting rotation. Dalbec's new defensive versatility will land him on the Opening Day roster. . . we think.