Boston fans love power, and Fenway Park is built for it. They would still hit even in years that were somewhat stagnant on offense. Last season, it was inconsistent, with stings of 10+ hit games followed by droughts. Last season, the composite for the hitters was the 11th slot in the AL with a disappointing 6th in runs and 10th in home runs – two areas where the Sox usually kill it.
The big catch in the free agent market is Shohei Ohtani, whose arm will sit out the season, but his bat will not. Ohtani will get a handout that will be record-setting and deservedly so, especially if his arm recovers from Tommy John Surgery. Ohtani will be a designated hitter, but others are available to fill that role.
The farm system pipeline offers some intriguing possibilities, but the ETA is noticeable when you scan, and no one jumps out as a potential big-time slugger. There is no Bobby Dalbec or Michael Chavis in the prospect power scrum (sarcasm meter off).
Bloom scored big in the batting department in 2023 by signing Adam Duvall, but Duvall’s numbers were shot with an injury that cost his production dearly. Will Duvall be back? Will the Red Sox go and grab another Wily Mo Pena? (sorry, I thought that meter was off).
Breslow is a former pitcher and knows pitchers enjoy two things: Good defense and runs, as long as the runs are not against them. They will get the hitting and hitting that will provide some lineup relief for Rafael Devers and Trevor Story. I suspect both will have excellent seasons with another complimentary bat.
