The Boston Red Sox made an important leap in the 2021 MLB season, when, leveraged by the return of manager Alex Cora, they reached the American League Championship Series.
In order to go one step further in the next major league season, Boston’s management must answer several questions.
Chris Sale seems immovable as the ace of the starting rotation and logic says that with the departure of Eduardo Rodríguez, Nathan Eovaldi and Nick Pivetta will go after Sale.
In a perfect world, the Red Sox would bring back both J.D. Martinez and Kyle Schwarber. But it’s not a perfect world and there might be room for only one of them in 2022.
A deep dive on one of the biggest questions facing Boston this winter:https://t.co/CMIlfSJYNb
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 26, 2021
But they need to allocate the bottom two or three spots in the rotation, and that’s why they’re running names like Rich Hill, Garrett Whitlock, Michael Wacha and Tanner Houck.
Another department that requires attention is first base. The Red Sox were hoping Kyle Schwarber would stay, and while they can still get him back, their Opening Day first baseman for now is Bobby Dalbec, who hasn’t quite blown up as expected.
The Red Sox are going to need some of their relievers to step up in 2022 (if they, ya know, play baseball in 2022), and Ryan Brasier can be one of those guys if he consistently keeps his fastball where it’s supposed to be. https://t.co/HlpDObPHDP
— OverTheMonster (@OverTheMonster) February 9, 2022
Although all of this is important for 2022, for manager Chaim Bloom there is a fundamental task: to shield the relief corps. Especially getting a closer.
The collapse of Matt Barnes in the second half of the season prompted Garrett Whitlock to assume the role, but it will be key to bring in a senior closer who guarantees much-needed wins in a division with three rivals to watch out for.
Is this an opportunity for Kenley Jansen or Richard Rodriguez, the closers available on the Major League free-agent market?
