Spring training is a time for evaluation, and from a Boston Red Sox perspective, things are trending positive after an 81-81 2024 season.
The famed Earl of Baltimore stated many seasons ago, "Everything revolves around that little bump in the middle of the diamond." Hopefully, I have quoted Earl Weaver correctly. This will not be about pitching, which is shaping up as a positive, but about the Red Sox's offense.
Boston fans love the hitting and will not be disappointed despite the loss of Tyler O'Neill and his 31 round-trippers. This team may not be in the same category as the belters for the late 1940s, but it will be close if everything slips into place. That's a big "if," but pessimism should be on hold at least until May.
According to numerous websites, Boston is ranked relatively high in offensive potential. From MLB to gambling to fantasy sites, there is a uniformity of agreement. There is consistency among all, and what is personally delightful is that several have stated they may have undervalued the Red Sox.
Alex Bregman has all the possible run-producing capabilities of Vern Stephens. Bregman was created for Fenway Park, and his history shows it.
Red Sox are on the cusp of being an offensive juggernaut
Trevor Story, another right-hand bat, will join Bregman, and Story may play an entire season. A balance is restored with lefties Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, and Rafael Devers. Since the Sox's big offseason renewed everyone's confidence, Casas and Devers will have stellar offensive seasons.
The projected lineup has Ceddanne Rafaela and David Hamilton starting and adding that level of speed with Duran, and this lineup can run you into the ground or bash you. What is most notable is the omission of Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell. That is a significant prospect promise waiting for their opportunity.
The turnaround has been remarkable. For now, I will place The Fellowship of The Miserable in the darker reaches of my mind. The projected team has lineup balance, speed, and OBP potential that may be the best in my memory.
Management has cooled the masses with spending and bumping over the luxury tax. Trades and free agency have solidified the rotation and bullpen. There is depth on offense and defense; even the early spring kerfuffle with Devers has somewhat subsided. The only roadblocks to success (playoffs) reside in Charm City and the Big Apple.