In 2024, the Boston Red Sox face various challenges, including a competitive division and the need for young players to step up immediately. Despite these obstacles, the Red Sox have the opportunity to make a strong statement right from the start. While wins and losses may not be the primary focus during spring training, individual players have a chance to showcase their skills and demonstrate their value ahead of the regular season.
To stay competitive in 2024, the Red Sox must begin building trust in several players who are crucial to the team’s success. Spring training games serve as a starting point for this process. Additionally, the Red Sox could benefit from any additional moves before the season, such as acquiring impactful relievers. At the moment, it’s essential for Boston to witness a sense of determination from returning players who have something to prove.
To gain early momentum, the Red Sox should pay attention to three key trends that can help them hit the ground running.
1. Key Contributions from Wilyer Abreu and Vaughn Grissom at the Plate
Among the young players expected to step up for the Red Sox in 2024, Abreu and Grissom have the potential to secure important roles in the team’s future. Abreu showcased his skills in a limited sample size last season, displaying solid plate discipline and producing impressive numbers. As he prepares to take on a starting role for a full season, maintaining his plate discipline and delivering consistent offensive performance will be crucial for Abreu’s impact on the team.
Grissom’s growth is equally significant as the Red Sox seek stability at second base, a position that has lacked consistency since Dustin Pedroia’s departure. Grissom, acquired in the Chris Sale trade, offers six years of team control and represents a potential long-term solution. Coming off a strong Triple-A campaign in 2023, Grissom’s offseason work with Trevor Story and his raw potential make him an intriguing prospect for the Red Sox. Continued development will be necessary for the 23-year-old, but if he can translate his skills to the major league level, the Red Sox may have found their answer.
2. Solidifying the No. 5 Starter Role with Confidence
Assuming no major rotation additions that would significantly alter the team’s 2024 prospects, the Red Sox have a solid core of starters in Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford. However, there is competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, with candidates like Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, Cooper Criswell, and Josh Winckowski vying for the role. Ideally, Houck would secure the spot based on his fit and performance. While Whitlock and Winckowski could excel in relief roles, Criswell’s major league experience is limited. The Red Sox are not just looking for Houck to win the No. 5 spot; they need him to do so convincingly. If the 27-year-old can consistently showcase his quality pitching over extended outings, it would greatly benefit the entire pitching staff and provide a boost to the Red Sox.
3. Rebounding Performances from Key Contributors in the 2023 Lineup
The success of the Red Sox in 2024 will rely not only on the young players but also on the veteran bats who need to lead the way. Two players who will play a crucial role in setting the tone are Trevor Story and Masataka Yoshida.
Yoshida had an impressive rookie campaign in 2023, hitting .289 and even receiving Rookie of the Year votes. However, he experienced a regression in the second half of the season, likely due to the toll of a long year of baseball that began with the World Baseball Classic. To empower the lineup, Yoshida needs to sustain his offensive production while demonstrating durability throughout the season.
Story, on the other hand, faced challenges upon his return from elbow surgery, struggling to regain his timing at the plate. While he may not replicate the Silver Slugger production he had with the Colorado Rockies in 2024, his bat remains essential for the Red Sox to succeed. If he can provide additional power in the lineup, sandwiched between Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, while also utilizing his speed on the base paths, it adds another dimension to Boston’s offensive firepower.
The Red Sox will also be looking for stability from Jarren Duran, who is set to reclaim the leadoff spot after recovering from a season-ending toe surgery. If Duran can recapture his sparkplug abilities at the top of the lineup, it will elevate Boston’s offensive confidence and provide a significant boost.
