4 Red Sox spring training overreactions after first week of play

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.