The Boston Red Sox's spring training games are in full swing and some players are showing out in midseason form already. Rafael Devers is chief among them.
Devers' 10-year, $313.5 million extension has officially started and he's showing fans what they can expect from the face of the franchise this coming season. The 27-year-old has taken off at a run this spring training — he's knocked an opposite-field homer in both his spring training appearances so far, the first of which brought home three runs.
Devers' contact isn't limited to homers. He hasn't struck out in his five at-bats thus far and he's scored three runs and logged four RBI.
After Boston didn't make any big-name acquisitions on either side of the ball this offseason, Devers seems to be taking it upon himself to provide the offense that he feels the team needs. Hopefully he plans to take his leadership at the plate and in the dugout to another level this year.
Red Sox star Rafael Devers has been swinging for the fences this spring training
Just a few days after manager Alex Cora gave "a hard no" to the possibility of Roman Anthony seeing any playing time with the big-league squad this spring, he started in center field against the Twins. He's been quite impressive so far.
Anthony walked twice and scored a run against Minnesota and he one-upped his last performance against the Tigers on Thursday afternoon. He logged two hits (both singles) and a run in Boston's 5-2 victory.
Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony is showing out against big-league pitching
Anthony has only struck out once in three plate appearances. He's showing incredible poise and composure for a player who wasn't supposed to see much playing time at just 19 years old.
If the young outfielder can carry his hot streak into the regular season, Sox fans may be able to see him at Fenway Park sooner than anyone imagined.
Roman Anthony went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles ...his first hits of Spring Training
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) February 29, 2024
The No. 21 prospect in baseball was one of the 2023 season’s biggest rising stars in the prospect world 👀https://t.co/NWqZ92kDGu pic.twitter.com/ViwsxAOzgP
Red Sox legend Jon Lester is assisting with spring training
Reports surfaced this morning that a familiar face will be spending some time down at Fenway South to work with the team this spring training.
Jon Lester has been recruited to advise and hype up the team. He joins David Ortiz and Pedro Martínez as short-term guest coaches of sorts at camp. Many fans are thrilled to see him get involved.
“It’s a little weird. I won’t lie,” Lester said to Ian Browne of MLB.com. “Just being on this side of it is a little different, getting to see how all the coaches and staff prepare for the day. Never got to see that side of the game."
Lester has also been vocal about the Red Sox's business decisions. His support for the team continues even through the front office's frugal nature. Lester is a believer in Boston's front office and its methods and hopefully his presence serves as a pillar of optimism for players and fans.
If 2024 stands any chance, positivity will need to be involved.