The Boston Red Sox have been making headlines this offseason with their pursuit of a new infielder. After missing out on Alex Bregman, the team has been on the hunt for a player who can provide a much-needed boost to their lineup. While this search has been the focus of much attention, it’s important to remember that the Red Sox already have a talented group of infielders who are more than capable of leading the team to success.
One of the key players in the Red Sox’s infield is Xander Bogaerts. The 27-year-old shortstop has been a consistent performer for the team, both offensively and defensively. In 2019, Bogaerts had a career-best season, hitting .309 with 33 home runs and 117 RBIs. He also earned his second Silver Slugger award and was named an All-Star for the third time in his career. Bogaerts has proven himself to be a reliable and valuable asset to the Red Sox, and his presence in the infield is crucial to the team’s success.
At third base, the Red Sox have Rafael Devers, who is coming off a breakout season. The 23-year-old had a phenomenal year in 2019, hitting .311 with 32 home runs and 115 RBIs. He also earned his first All-Star selection and finished 12th in MVP voting. Devers has shown immense potential and has quickly become a fan favorite in Boston. With his powerful bat and improving defense, Devers is a key part of the Red Sox’s infield.
Second base is where the Red Sox have the most uncertainty, with Dustin Pedroia’s future still up in the air. However, the team has a few options to fill the position. One of them is Michael Chavis, who had a solid rookie season in 2019, hitting .254 with 18 home runs in just 95 games. Chavis has shown flashes of his potential and could be a reliable option at second base for the Red Sox.
Another option is José Peraza, who was signed by the Red Sox in December. Peraza is a versatile player who can play both second base and shortstop. He had a down year in 2019, but in 2018 he hit .288 with 14 home runs for the Cincinnati Reds. If Peraza can bounce back and find his form from 2018, he could be a valuable addition to the Red Sox’s infield.
In addition to these players, the Red Sox also have Brock Holt, who has been a reliable utility player for the team for the past seven seasons. Holt has played all over the infield and has been a valuable asset off the bench. He may not be a starter, but his versatility and experience make him an important part of the Red Sox’s infield depth.
While the Red Sox may have missed out on adding another big bat to their infield, the players they currently have are more than capable of leading the team to success. Bogaerts, Devers, Chavis, Peraza, and Holt all have the potential to make significant contributions to the team’s offense. And with Bogaerts and Devers being just 27 and 23 years old respectively, the future looks bright for the Red Sox’s infield.
It’s also worth noting that the Red Sox’s infield is not just about offense. Bogaerts and Devers have both improved their defense in recent years, and Peraza is known for his solid glove work. With these players, the Red Sox have a well-rounded infield that can make an impact on both sides of the ball.
In conclusion, while the Red Sox’s pursuit of a new infielder has been the focus of much attention this offseason, it’s important to remember that the team already has a talented group of players in their infield. Bogaerts, Devers, Chavis, Peraza, and Holt all have the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s success. With their combination of offense, defense, and versatility, the Red Sox’s infield is full of promise and should not be overlooked.
