The Boston Red Sox had an abysmal season in 2020.
Updated AL East standings. pic.twitter.com/BdF20J1QUe
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) September 4, 2020
It has been a quick fall from grace for the organization after winning a World Series title in 2018.
After trading away superstar right fielder Mookie Betts, the team was left without much identity on offense.
Then, pair this with the allegations of stealing signs that led to the eventual firing of manager Alex Cora, the team was left spinning their wheels entering the season.
In 2020, they was never able to get anything started.
They were hindered by a poor pitching staff both with their starters and bullpen.
Ace pitcher Chris Sale also suffered a torn UCL in March.
However, a bright spot was their offense.
While there were a lot of question marks surrounding the team’s offense going into the season, they stepped up to carry the team.
They ranked third in the MLB in batting average, and just outside the top-10 in home runs, runs and on-base percentage.
With the 2021 season approaching, the Red Sox are once again going to rely on their offense.
Here is an early peak at their potential 2021 lineup.
Moves The Red Sox Need To Make
Before delving into their lineup, we have to project the moves they will make this offseason.
With CF Jackie Bradley Jr. being a free agent, there is a spot open in center.
The most obvious candidate would be Houston Astros star George Springer.
https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39 ranked the best fits for George Springer. Thoughts?
Full rankings: https://t.co/nLIIJdA41r pic.twitter.com/bBUBAclW4o
— MLB (@MLB) December 12, 2020
He will command a high price on the market, but the Red Sox have made an effort to get under the luxury cap and get a tax reset.
This could put them in a position to land the star CF.
The team will also need to address their situation in left field.
Andrew Benintendi was atrocious last year, hitting .103 before being hurt in September.
The team will have to make a decision; stick with their home-grown player or move on.
They could opt to trade him for more pitching help, which the team definitely needs.
This could then set up a signing of Joc Pederson or even Marcell Ozuna.
Pederson would give the team a powerful left-handed bat that would boost their order.
Joc Pederson has 8 #postseason HR, putting him 4th on the @Dodgers HR leaderboard. pic.twitter.com/a5tjGnOscx
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 14, 2020
While he struggled last season, posting just a .193 average, he can still be a threatening bat as we saw in the playoffs.
For the Red Sox, rounding out their lineup will set them up for more success over the next few years.
The 2021 Lineup
Assuming that the Red Sox make these two moves, their lineup would look like:
- George Springer, CF
- Alex Verdugo, RF
- Rafael Devers, 3B
- D. Martinez, DH
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Joc Pederson, LF
- Christian Vasquez, C
- Bobby Dalbec, 1B
- Jose Peraza, 2B
This would be a well-rounded and dangerous lineup.
It would be one of the best group of five hitters in the MLB, especially if Martinez has a bounce back year.
With Verdugo having another great season, Bogaerts continuing his typical play and Devers returning to 2019 form, the offense would be dangerous.
Hit two homers and took one away.
Alex Verdugo had himself a night. #CarryTheFreight pic.twitter.com/q6jDc61ECi
— MLB (@MLB) August 8, 2020
Retooling their lineup in this way would cost some money, but it could get them out of last place in the AL East.
Obviously, in his second year with the team, general manager Chaim Bloom wants to turn the team around quickly.
A couple moves for the offense like this could help make them more of a threat.
If they then get a solid starting pitcher, as well as a couple more bullpen pieces, the Red Sox could be a competitive team in 2021.
NEXT: Triston Casas Continues To Prove He Is A Future Red Sox Star