The Boston Red Sox entered the 2024 season with a mixed performance, finishing at .500 with an 81-81 record.
Despite this, the team managed to produce impressive offensive numbers, led by breakout star Jarren Duran. Duran’s stellar season saw him post 8.7 WAR, leading the American League in doubles (48) and triples (14), helping the Red Sox score a total of 751 runs.
This strong offensive output ranked the team fourth in the American League and ninth overall in Major League Baseball.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Red Sox are hopeful that their offense will become even more formidable. The signing of free agent Alex Bregman adds another weapon to the lineup, and the return of Triston Casas,
the first baseman who missed a large portion of last season due to injury, further boosts expectations. With these reinforcements,
the Red Sox are expected to improve on their offensive production and become even more dangerous in the upcoming season.
However, a major question mark still looms over the future of All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers. Entering the second year of his massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract, Devers is expected to be the centerpiece of the Boston lineup.
Unfortunately, his performance was hampered last year due to shoulder issues. After struggling through injuries to both his left and right shoulders, Devers posted a disappointing .
205 batting average over his final 42 games before landing on the injured list in late September, effectively ending his season.
Despite avoiding surgery after an MRI showed inflammation but no structural damage, Devers’ readiness for the start of Spring Training in 2025 has been questioned.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently shared that Devers has not yet started throwing due to ongoing discomfort in his shoulder.
While Devers has been taking ground balls, his readiness for Opening Day is uncertain, leaving the team in a difficult position as they prepare for the new season.
Another layer of uncertainty has emerged with the arrival of Bregman, who is an elite defender at third base and won the American League Gold Glove for his performance in 2024.
This raises the question of whether Devers should continue to play third base or transition into a full-time designated hitter role. Cora noted that Devers is taking the situation in stride, emphasizing that Devers is not upset about the change.
While Devers has been with the Red Sox for years, making nearly 1,000 starts at third base, Cora pointed out that Devers would address the media about his role and the team’s plans in the near future.
As Devers continues his rehab and preparation in Florida, Red Sox fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his health and status for the 2025 season.
The uncertainty surrounding his shoulder injury and role on the team could have significant implications for both his performance and the Red Sox’s plans for the upcoming year.