The Boston Red Sox were hoping for a better season after three consecutive last-place finishes in the American League East. However, their hopes may have been dashed early in the season as veteran shortstop Trevor Story suffered a season-ending injury. Story fractured his glenoid in a game against the Los Angeles Angels on April 5, requiring surgical repair. This is just the latest in a series of injuries that have plagued Story since June 2019.
With Story out for the season, manager Alex Cora will have to make adjustments to the team’s lineup. He may have to platoon players at shortstop and second base until injured Vaughn Grissom is ready to return. Grissom, acquired from Atlanta for Chris Sale, was expected to form a strong double-play tandem with Story. However, with both players injured, Cora will need to shuffle his lineup and find alternative options.
One of those options is moving young star-of-the-future Ceddanne Rafaela from center field to the infield. Rafaela recently signed an eight-year, $50 million contract extension with the team after a strong showing in the minor leagues and during spring training. His versatility and defensive skills make him a valuable asset to the team, and Cora believes he can excel in his new role in the infield.
The Red Sox’s decision to sign Rafaela to a long-term contract mirrors their strategy of locking up young talent for the future. This approach is reminiscent of successful teams like the Atlanta Braves, who have retained their core players and built sustained success. The team has also signed pitcher Brayan Bello to a long-term deal, signaling their commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.
In the midst of these changes, the Red Sox have also had to deal with the loss of pitcher Lucas Giolito, who signed as a free agent but is now out for the season with a torn UCL. Despite these setbacks, the team got off to a strong start, winning seven of their first ten games. Cora will need to continue making adjustments to the lineup and finding ways to fill the gaps left by injured players in order to keep the team competitive in the tough AL East division.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox may consider extending contracts to other young players like Triston Casas, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Jarren Duran. By investing in and retaining their young talent, the team hopes to build a competitive roster for years to come. With a mix of veteran experience and promising young players, the Red Sox are aiming to turn around their recent struggles and compete for a playoff spot in the highly competitive AL East.
