Sox Busy with Roster Moves
An unproductive 2022 season stranded the Red Sox in last place within their division and barred from the playoffs only one season after the team nearly made the World Series. Team ownership and managers have been busy in their attempts to rectify the botched 2022 season, and set the Sox up for success in 2023.
Through a plethora of roster moves, trades, and free agent signings, the Red Sox 40-Man Roster to begin the 2023 season has notable differences from last year’s.
Most importantly, shortstop Xander Bogaerts (he/him) signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Big pill to swallow for Sox fans, as this leaves a massive hole in middle infield as shortstop Trevor Story (he/him) has also left. The All-Star is indefinitely out following surgery on his throwing arm.
Other crucial members of the Sox that won’t be returning to Boston in 2023 include DH J.D. Martinez (he/him), RHP Matt Barnes (he/him), RHP Nate Eovaldi (he/him), and LHP Matt Strahm(he/him), to name a few. The absence of these men will surely be felt, but just how consequential these losses are is yet to be seen.
The Sox have been involved in many talks and made a number of deals in attempts to make up for the loss of so many members of their pitching staff. The projected starting rotation for Boston this season includes LHP Chris Sale (he/him), RHP Nick Pivetta (he/him), RHP Garrett Whitlock (he/him), LHP James Paxton (he/him), RHP Brayan Bello(he/him), and RHP Corey Kluber (he/him).
Having signed in mid-January, Kluber is the only new addition to the predicted starting rotation. Other pitchers new to the clubhouse include RHP Theo Denlinger (he/him), LHP Richard Bleier (he/him), RHP Wyatt Mills(he/him), RHP Kenley Jansen(he/him), and RHP Chris Martin(he/him).
More prominent signings this off season include OF Masataka Yoshida (he/him), CF Adam Duvall (he/him), and 3B Justin Turner (he/him).
In what felt like the first win for Boston amidst a sea of failures and unrealized deals, third baseman Rafael Devers (he/him) will remain at Fenway Park for a long time. The 26-year-old signed an 11-year, $331 million contract that will effectively ensure that Devers remains in Boston throughout his entire career.
Spring training begins February 25th, and opening day is March 30th where the Sox will host the Orioles at Fenway Park.
