3/14/2022 1:52 P.M.

Now that the 2022 MLB season has been confirmed with a new bargaining agreement, we can take a deeper look at the Red Sox season outlook.

Free Agency Signings

Before the lockout began, the Red Sox signings were just about what we expected, no flashy free agents but some decent players that Chaim Bloom sees something in. They signed James Paxton who is coming off of Tommy John surgery and should be good to go around May. They also signed two other pitchers, Michael Wacha and 42 year old former Red Sox Rich Hill. They also made a confusing reunion deal with the Milwaukee Brewers for Jackie Bradley Jr and two lower ranked prospects in the Brewers farm system for right fielder Hunter Renfroe. Post lockout, the Red Sox signed relief pitchers Jake Diekman and Matt Strahm. Diekman has been a really good reliever for a while now, and now tries to continue that at his age 35 season. Jackie Bradely Jr had a lackluster, to say the least, offense last season, batting .163 with an OPS (on base + slugging) of .497. It is safe to say he was one of the worst hitters in the entire league last season, so why trade for him? Well, we know one thing for sure, and that’s Chaim Bloom loves prospects. He also noted that the Sox’s lineup needed defense in the outfield. Bradely might not be an everyday starter, but he can definitely be inserted into any fielder position whenever they need him two. The player that the Red Sox sent away, Hunter Renfroe, was coming off of career highs in every major category. Hunter has arguably the best arms in the league and gunned down many base runners trying to run on him. He was one of Chaim Bloom’s hidden gems last season, so why ship him out? Renfroe made some really bad mistakes in the postseason that might have cost him his roster spot. He purposely tried to throw runners out when everyone knew he couldn’t make it in time that must have driven the coaching staff crazy. His bat also disappeared in the postseason after a scorching hot regular season. The Red Sox have reportedly had ties to shortstop Trevor Story and Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki, but it is unclear if the Red Sox will make a big signing before the April 7th season opener.

Free Agents Still Available

The free agents after the lockout that have signed have all been smaller, one or two year deals that the average fan has probably never heard of, with the exception being Max Scherzer, Nelson Cruz and Joe Kelly signing with the Mets, Nationals and White Sox respectively. However, big names that are looking for massive deals are still on the board. These names include Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa, Seiya Suzuki, Trevor Story, Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant to name a few. Kyle Schwarber, who spent half of last season on the Red Sox, Trevor Story, Seiya Suzuki and Carlos Correa have all had connections with the team, but none of them are likely to sign with the Red Sox because of cap restrictions and the Red Sox’s unwillingness to sign long term contracts, but Chaim Bloom said on a press conference that they are always looking for more bats, so don’t rule anything out yet. Chaim and Alex Cora keep telling the media that they really like where their team is at, so it is more than likely the biggest signings are behind them. 

Project Final Outfield/Infield Roster

First Base – Bobby Dalbec

2021 was Dalbec’s rookie year, and it started slow. But after the All Star break, he really impressed everyone. He finished the year slashing .240/.298/.792. He looks to improve on his impressive rookie campaign.

Shortstop – Xander Bogaerts

The Aruban born 3 time all star continues to be a top three hitter for the Red Sox lineup. His defense is known to be below average, but that is mostly covered up by the defensive minded outfield and other infielders that Chaim Bloom has acquired. Bogaerts is a free agent after the 2022 season and has the intention of being a top-5 paid shortstop.

Second Base – Christian Arroyo

Arroyo just could not stay healthy last season. When he started to get healthy, he would just get another injury that would keep him out months. When he did play, he was pretty solid, batting .262 and providing sparks of offense when they needed it.

Third Base – Rafael Devers

Devers continues to be not one of the best third basemen, but one of the best players in the entire MLB. He hit .279 with an OPS of .890 with league average being 0.700. Rafael wants to stay in Boston, and they want to keep him secure for many years to come, but a long term agreement has yet to be in the works.

Left Field – Alex Verdugo

Verdugo, who was a part of the trade that sent Mookie Betts to Los Angeles, is a fan favorite in Boston. His laid back, yet not at all Boston like personality just fits perfectly in the dugout. He continues to be a top of the order hitter for the Red Sox.

Center Field – Kike Hernandez

Enrique, or Kike for short, can and has played almost all infield and outfield positions. His defensive talent allows him to be great wherever you place him. Hernandez was easily the best player for the Sox in the postseason, and will try to finally get over the hump this season.

Right Field – Jackie Bradley Jr.

It is unsure if Jackie will start the season as the starting right fielder because of his poor offense. Chaim Bloom might have him be a player that they plug into the batting order every once and while because of his defense. It is not a bold statement to say that they need to improve at right field.