The Red Sox began the season very left-handed heavy at the plate and the future looks to be leaning the same way. The MLB Draft took place less than a week ago, and Boston added another top talent who hits lefty. Kyle Teel fell to the Red Sox at the 14th pick and was a no doubt selection, but it does not help with balancing the lineup in the future.
Red Sox have drafted Virginia catcher Kyle Teel with the 14th overall pick.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) July 10, 2023
He was ranked as the #7 player in the class, per @MLBPipeline.
He slashed .407/.475/.655/1.130 with 13 HR in 65 games last season. Has an absolute canon behind the plate.pic.twitter.com/uCqpvQnD0F
In 2023, the entire Red Sox's usual starting outfield has been left-handed in Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, and Alex Verdugo. Obviously, Adam Duvall started the season off on a tear, however, his injury allowed Duran to flourish in his newfound playing time. Duvall has struggled since returning, and Duran has continued to impress both at the plate and in the field.
On the infield, it looks to become a similar story with the development of Marcelo Mayer. The corner infielders Rafael Devers and Triston Casas are both lefties and with the addition of Mayer, that would be three out of four. That alone would be six left-handed bats in a lineup without the addition of Teel or a lefty designated hitter. The situation is one to monitor with how Chaim Bloom decides to maneuver the trade deadline.
What does this lefty heavy mix mean for the Red Sox going forward?
Although the Red Sox are last in the AL East, they sit five games over .500 and are in the race for a Wild Card spot. Last season, a similar story ended with Boston straddling the line of selling and buying, which resulted in a last-place finish. There are positives to both decisions because the team believes they can win now and want to add. However, the core that Bloom has put together is young and under contract. A decision will be made on whether to keep it together and move older pieces for more youth or cash in on young talent that is currently performing.
At the All-Star Break, every single team in the AL East has a winning record.
— StatMuse MLB (@statmusemlb) July 10, 2023
It's the first time this has ever happened since divisions began in 1969. pic.twitter.com/fJqho2gm8w
The hardest part about the decisions is that Boston was playing its best baseball heading into the All-Star break. Sweeping two out of their last three series and winning a series against the Rangers, who were one of the best teams in the league. Coming out of the break, the Red Sox will look to continue to win games and prove to the front office that adding is the best decision. The Red Sox have a plethora of young talent on the major league roster and in the farm system.
Two players to look at are Duvall and Verdugo this season, with one possibly being dealt and the other signing an extension. The injury derailed what was a promising season for Duvall, and with Rob Refsnyder playing solid when given playing time, it might be time for Duvall to move on. Also, Verdugo has been arguably the best player on the team this season. Bloom has a decision to make as Verdugo is in the last year of his deal and whether he is going to pay him or not. Right now, all signs point towards extending Verdugo because of how crucial he has been to the Red Sox's success.