In my previous article, I took a look at the Boston Red Sox 2015 infield. The biggest questions in this lineup however are in the outfield. In what was statistically one of the worst outfields in the majors, they made it a priority to acquire outfield help at the deadline, which they did by adding Yoenis Cespedes and Allen Craig. They also signed Cuban defector Rusney Castillo, who is regarded as a five tool player. With a lot of decisions to be made, let’s preview what this outfield could look like.
Left Field: Incumbent: Yoenis Cespedes Backups/Challengers: Allen Craig and Daniel Nava
It remains to be seen where Yoenis Cespedes could play next year. The likely position should be in left field, but his arm strength is more suited for right field. The only thing that isn’t in doubt is his bat. Cespedes delivered his first career 100 RBI season and looks primed for more in the final year of his contract next season, while he hits behind David Ortiz. Allen Craig is a versatile outfielder who they acquired in a buy low situation in the John Lackey trade. Craig could play both positions but he will likely rotate between left, right and first base. Daniel Nava is also the kind of player who can form a platoon in left or right field. However, thanks to the enormous amount of depth in the outfield, both Craig and Nava are regarded as trade bait.
Center Field: Incumbent: Rusney Castillo Backups/Challengers: Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts
After shelling out a massive seven-year, $72.5 million dollar contract to Rusney Castillo, the Red Sox have made it clear that Castillo is a huge part of their future. He certainly fills the need at center field and will not be replaced for a long time. The big question is where Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts fit into the equation. Betts has established himself as a very nice hitter in the leadoff position and played a lot of center field in addition to right field. While he figures to be the top candidate for the right field starting role, he could be intriguing trade bait in a deal for a Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto. Meanwhile, the man who plays the best defense of the three, Jackie Bradley Jr., is left searching for a role. Once his bat catches up to his defense, he could be one of the top center fielders in the game. Bradley Jr. is also regarded as an intriguing piece to any blockbuster trade that could be developed this winter.
Right Field: Incumbent: Who Knows? Backups/Challengers: Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava
This position may very well be the most contested of all for the Red Sox lineup. Shane Victorino went into this year as the starter but suffered an injury plagued season and never rebounded well. Daniel Nava saw a lot of time there as well as Grady Sizemore is now with the Phillies, but they both eventually gave way to the super talented rookie Mookie Betts. Betts was impressive, especially in the leadoff role, but there are still some questions about the former infielder’s defense. It also isn’t inconceivable that Mookie Betts could be included in a package for some top talent whether it be pitching or a top slugger like Giancarlo Stanton. The picture is murky at best but there are a lot of options.
The Red Sox will be moving a lot of pieces around this offseason and be sure to follow me for everything that happens!
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