The Boston Red Sox put a focus on defense this offseason, and that was by plan.
Boston’s rotation is led by Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, and Brayan Bello, who are in the top 20 pitchers in the league in ground-ball rate. Ranger Suarez, another offseason addition, also pitches to contact.
With four pitchers that pitch to contact, having a good defense behind them is key, according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.
“Bolstering the defense has even greater importance this season, with pitchers Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Sonny Gray ranking among the top 20 pitchers in the league in ground-ball rate,” McCaffrey wrote in an article published on Wednesday. “Newcomer Ranger Suárez also pitches to contact.
“In addition to adding Contreras and Durbin, the Red Sox prioritized defense by adding new utility players, too. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, on a one-year big-league deal, and Brendan Rodgers, on a minor-league deal, have won Gold Gloves. Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler, added in the Durbin trade, are also versatile defenders.”
With the Red Sox expecting balls to be put in play, Boston knows how important its infield defense is. Infielders coach Jose David Flores also knows how important the infield defense is to the Red Sox’s success this season.
“Our front office knows that our starting rotation is among the best,” Flores said. “And obviously, in order for us to be successful, we have to put up a product behind them that is really good.”
Boston’s starting infield is projected to be Caleb Durbin at third base, Trevor Story at shortstop, Marcelo Mayer at second base, and Willson Contreras at first base.
More MLB: Buster Olney Ranks Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman Among Top Five Relievers