Plus, Alex Bregman gets to know the guys
Most of the offseason focus on the Red Sox lineup has been about the lack of right-handed pop, but that’s not the only offensive deficiency we saw last year — the Sox also had the third-highest strikeout rate in the Majors. Throughout his career, plate discipline has been something Alex Bregman has excelled at, though last year his chase rate increased and he put up the lowest OBP of his career. Will he turn things around and have a positive impact on the rest of the lineup in 2025? (Julian McWilliams, Boston Globe)
Regardless of what impact he ends up having on the field, Bregman already seems to be having a positive impact in the clubhouse. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
Wilyer Abreu displayed an advanced plate approach as a rookie last year. This year, he wants to improve against lefties and make his body more resilient. To the latter point, he’s showed up to spring training “noticeably slimmer.” (Julian McWilliams)
Speaking of body resiliency (or lack there of), it’s unfortunately that time of year when pitchers’ arms begin blowing up. The Red Sox’ first casualty is Zach Penrod, who was set to compete for a bullpen role this spring before being sidelined with elbow soreness. In the wake of the Penrod injury, the Sox have signed Matt Moore, who had an ERA over 5 in 51 appearances for last year’s Angels, to a minor league deal. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
Sadly, Garrett Whitlock is one pitcher who is extremely familiar with injury issues. But he’s healthy so far and is being touted as one of the best performers of the early spring. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
Triston Casas also knows a thing or two about spending time on the IL. He also knows all about being involved in trade rumors, though it doesn’t seem to bother him much. (Nick O’Malley, MassLive)
At least Casas’ injuries didn’t result in a total lost season, as was the case with Vaughn Grissom. He now finds himself in a battle for playing time at second base but he welcomes the challenge. (Julian McWilliams, Boston Globe)