What Could’ve Been For The Boston Red Sox
It’s no secret that Boston has had trouble over recent years maintaining their talent. Whether it has been by trade or free agency, a lot of big names have come and gone since 2020. Names such as Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, or Andrew Benintendi are just a few that come to mind. Although it was highly unlikely that Boston could’ve maintained all of these players due to high salaries, it’s still interesting to look back and see what the Red Sox lineup could’ve looked like if they kept some star players.
If Boston was able to maintain all of the big names that were on the Red Sox roster since 2020, here is what their current lineup could’ve looked like:
C- Christian Vazquez (now with MIN)
1B- Kyle Schwarber (now with PHI)
2B- Trevor Story (still with BOS)
3B- Rafael Devers (still with BOS)
SS- Xander Bogaerts (now with SDP)
OF- Mookie Betts (now with LAD)
OF- Andrew Benintendi (now with CWS)
OF- Hunter Renfroe (now with LAA)
DH- JD Martinez (now with LAD)
In the 2023 season this starting lineup alone has amassed 131 home runs and 401 runs batted in, and Trevor Story hasn’t even played a game. Their 131 home runs would be eighth best this season among all teams, let alone starting lineups.
There is no denial that this team would’ve been a World Series contender and potentially the favorites to win it all.
Here is how each player currently on a different team left the Red Sox and the year:
Christian Vazquez- traded to Houston Astros in 2022
Kyle Schwarber- signed by Philadelphia Phillies in 2021-2022 free agency
Xander Bogaerts- signed by San Diego Padres in 2022-2023 free agency
Mookie Betts- traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
Andrew Benintendi- traded to Kansas City Royals in 2021
Hunter Renfroe- traded to Milwaukee Brewers in 2021
JD Martinez- signed by Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022-2023 free agency