Red Sox Predictions: Brendan's (way too early) 2023 season superlatives

Red Sox Clubhouse Leader - Kiké Hernández/Alex Verdugo

I had to go with two names in this category for a multitude of reasons. One primary reason was that Kiké Hernández has been the subject of a lot of off-season chatter, especially regarding his ability to play shortstop full time at the Major League level (something he's never done for a full season in his career). He seems to be embracing his role as a leader in the Red Sox clubhouse.

As for Alex Verdugo, he was called out by his own manager, Alex Cora, on the final day of last season as someone who needed to make the jump in 2023 to a true impact player. I think both players are ready for the challenge and will need to be ready to perform if the Red Sox want to be competitive.

Both Hernández and Verdugo alike have been extremely vocal about how underrated this Red Sox team might actually be, and their confidence in the group that is gathered right now at Fenway South seems infectious.