As the 2019 season comes to an end, at least in terms of making the playoffs, it’s time to start looking ahead at what the 2020 season can offer. Each week, I will break down what to expect coming into the offseason. This week, we focus on the infield.
First Base
Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce both become free agents this winter. Expect the front office to let one of these players walk.
Moreland has played 60 games, batting just .233 on the season. Pearce has been plagued with injuries as well, playing in just 29 games and batting a weak .180.
I expect the Sox to offer Moreland a one-year deal, somewhere around the $5 million mark.
Sam Travis has looked much improved this year, batting .269 at the plate. Not only has he been swinging his bat better, but his fielding also looks much improved. Over 118 innings played at first base this season, he has committed just one error. If the year continues like it has and Travis gets more playing time, fans could see him becoming the everyday first baseman or, at the very least, platooning it with a veteran player like Mitch Moreland.
Second Base
Ever since Dustin Pedroia has had injury setback after setback, this position has been maned with the “next man up” mentality.
Brock Holt has had a decent chunk of playing time over the last couple of seasons.
Michael Chavis is clearly the future second baseman. But, with injuries to the rookie, fans could once again see another player called up.
Marco Hernandez has simply shined in his 2019 MLB appearance. In 31 games, he has batted .333 and an on-base percentage of .359. Fans could see a battle between Chavis and Hernandez for the everyday role at second in Spring Training. Either way, do not expect a free agent signing or trade happening involving this position.
Third Base
Skipping short stop because Xander Bogaerts has that on lock, onto third base.
Devers has exploded this season offensively. With that said, there is still room for improvement with his fielding. He looks better, his footwork looks great and there have been plenty of times where he has surprised with his grown skill.
However, there could be better options within the Red Sox system. Bobby Dalbec is primed to make his MLB debut and he looks like the total package.
Since being called up from Double-A to Triple-A less than two weeks ago, Dalbec is already tearing the cover off of the ball. So you may ask, ‘What do we do with Devers?’
Devers should move to the Designated Hitter position where he can focus full-time on hitting.
Behind the plate, there is usually a platoon squad of Sandy Leon and Christian Vazquez. Leon will enter his fourth year of Arbitration, and Vazquez signed a three-year extension back in 2018.
To sum up, here is the envisioned 2020 Red Sox infield.
1B: Sam Travis/ Mitch Moreland
2B: Michael Chavis/ Marco Hernandez
SS: Xander Bogaerts
3B: Bobby Dalbec
DH: Rafael Devers
Catcher: Sandy Leon/ Christian Vazquez
Be sure to keep an eye out next Thursday for when Prime Time Sports Talk takes a look at the 2020 Red Sox Outfield.
