Jamie Gatlin | January 14th, 2020
With the start of spring training only weeks away, the Boston Red Sox roster is still full of question marks. While many of their key players are expected to return, the right side of the infield has undergone significant change. Brock Holt and Mitch Moreland remain unsigned and are not expected to return, while Dustin Pedroia has only appeared in nine games over the past two years. Despite the uncertainty, the Red Sox do have a few young players that will be relied on heavily this coming season.
Although the Red Sox have been quiet so far this offseason, new General Manager Chain Bloom did sign Jose Peraza to a one-year deal in December. Peraza has spent the last three years in Cincinnati, where he hit .274 in 513 games. The Venezuelan native only hit .239 last year, but he is only two seasons removed from his best season when he belted 14 home runs and drove in 53 runs. He also provides the Red Sox with versatility as he has played every position in career except for catcher.
Additionally, joining Peraza in the infield will be Michael Chavis. The former top prospect is coming off an impressive rookie season that ended early due to injury. In 95 games last year, Chavis hit .254 with 18 home runs and 58 runs batted in. The Georgia native showed his versatility as he spent time at first, second, and third. While Chavis still has to improve defensively, he proved to be a potent bat in the Red Sox lineup.
Furthermore, the Red Sox could see the emergence of promising prospect Bobby Dalbec. The former fourth-round pick has risen quickly through the Red Sox system due to his power. In 383 minor league games, he has hit 79 home runs and earned a promotion to Pawtucket last season. In 30 games for the Pawsox, Dalbec hit seven home runs and struck out 29 times. While he only hit .257 last season, his plate discipline improved as he struck out 139 times compared to 176 the year before.
Unlike in past years, the Red Sox roster is full of uncertainty. Pedroia is still a possibility, but will not be ready for opening day. The Red Sox also have Jonathan Arauz, who they selected in the draft from Houston. They will be counting on their young players to take the next step and for the veterans such as Peraza to surpass expectations.
Regardless of how the season unfolds, the right side of the infield will look significantly different. It will, however, be an opportunity for young players such as Dalbec and Chavis to prove their worth, as the Red Sox look to return to the postseason.
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