Boston Red Sox Player Power Rankings: The 2024 Finale

The MLB playoffs start right now, however the Boston Red Sox is not going to be taking part, sadly. Regardless of remaining aggressive for a lot of the season, the Sox ran out of fuel down the stretch, in the end ending at a fair 81-81.

Although they missed out on October baseball, the Sox’ yr had loads of successes combined in, particularly for a staff that was projected to complete lifeless final within the American League East earlier than the yr started.

A number of gamers broke out whereas some stalwarts shined. In fact, there have been additionally some contributors who upset. We’re right here right now to spotlight either side and the whole lot in between within the season finale of our month-to-month participant energy rankings.

A fast be aware on eligibility and standards: In most editions of this sequence, we primarily weigh efficiency over the earlier month. For the finale, nonetheless, we’ll be evaluating every participant’s total physique of labor in 2024.

As well as, we’ll even be utilizing barely totally different standards for inclusion than common. As at all times, all gamers who appeared in a sport for the Crimson Sox within the final month and are nonetheless inside the group are eligible. However we’ll even be together with anybody who logged no less than 30 plate appearances or 10 innings pitched over the course of the season to make sure as full an image of the roster from begin to end as doable, just like we did last year.

That’s it for the preamble, let’s get to the rankings.

Editor’s Notice: The earlier rankings included 35 gamers.

44. Mickey Gasper (Earlier Rank: 33)

Gasper, who made his MLB debut in August, went 0-for-18 on the MLB stage this yr.

43. Brad Keller (Earlier Rank: 35)

Keller signed two minor league contracts with the Crimson Sox this summer time, as he was dropped by the Chicago White Sox (in addition to the Crimson Sox themselves). His outcomes on the marketing campaign would possibly let you know why (5.44 ERA in 41 1/3 innings).

42. Jamie Westbrook (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Westbrook was a part of the season-long sport of musical chairs the Crimson Sox performed at second base. The 29-year-old performed in 21 video games throughout stints in June and July on the MLB stage however produced only a 55 wRC+.

41. Bobby Dalbec (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Regardless of being DFA’d and sent off in style, Dalbec remains to be inside the group after he cleared waivers in early September. Given his continued struggles to hit a lot of something with the Crimson Sox the previous couple of years, it’s not that shocking one other staff didn’t wish to scoop him up.

40. Reese McGuire (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

McGuire appeared in 53 video games and posted a 60 wRC+ because the Crimson Sox’s major backup catcher earlier than he was DFA’d in late July. The 29-year-old has spent the higher a part of the final three seasons with the Crimson Sox and is up for arbitration this offseason.

39. Zach Penrod (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

One in every of a number of September call-ups for the Crimson Sox, Penrod received his first style of MLB motion on Sept. 14, throwing a scoreless body in opposition to the New York Yankees. He solely managed 4 whole innings over the ultimate month of the season, together with his ultimate outing when he didn’t document an out. It’s powerful to make a lot of 4 innings, however the 27-year-old will at all times have the ability to name himself an enormous leaguer even when he doesn’t get again once more. And if he does, all the higher.

Photograph by Luke Hales/Getty Pictures

38. Bailey Horn (Earlier Rank: 34)

Horn completed the yr in Triple-A after logging 18 whole innings this season amid a number of transient call-ups. The 26-year-old didn’t impress in these probabilities, strolling 5 batters per 9 innings and recording a ghastly ERA (6.50) and even worse FIP (7.00).

37. Chase Shugart (Earlier Rank: 29)

Shugart made his MLB debut on Aug. 15 after which received a couple of extra probabilities all through the final month and a half, pitching to a 4.15 ERA in 8 2/3 whole innings. It wasn’t a lot, however maybe he’ll get extra alternatives subsequent yr.

36. Vaughn Grissom (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Grissom’s season was marred by accidents, as he logged simply 31 video games performed. When he was on the sector, the 23-year-old appeared overmatched, as he managed a minuscule 28 wRC+ in 114 plate appearances. He nonetheless has time to develop and ideally gained’t be dealt an unfortunate hand injury-wise subsequent yr. Nevertheless, given the Crimson Sox received him in a commerce that despatched Chris Sale away to doubtlessly win the NL Cy Younger Award, if Grissom doesn’t enhance, that deal will look extra lopsided than it already does.

35. Lucas Sims (Earlier Rank: 32)

Craig Breslow actually made some offers on the commerce deadline, however they principally harm greater than they helped. Sims had an ugly 6.43 ERA and 6.09 FIP in 14 innings after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. I doubt the Crimson Sox will re-up with the right-hander this offseason.

34. Luis García (Earlier Rank: 31)

García, one other commerce deadline acquisition, additionally struggled in a Crimson Sox uniform. He manged only a 7.98 ERA (5.28 FIP) in 14 2/3 innings with the Crimson Sox and in addition handled some damage woes. Garcia additionally looks as if an unlikely participant to return, as he will probably be a free agent this offseason.

33. Quinn Priester (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Priester simply barely met the factors for inclusion, as he made his one and solely look in a Crimson Sox uniform on Sunday within the season finale. The previous Pittsburgh Pirates prospect, whom the Crimson Sox traded for on the deadline, put up 5 innings of strong work in his debut with Boston. Nevertheless, given his total physique manufacturing on the MLB stage this season (4.71 ERA and 4.70 FIP in 49 2/3 innings), he nonetheless has some enhancements to make.

32. James Paxton (Earlier Rank: 23)

After returning to the Crimson Sox by way of a commerce with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Paxton pitched in three video games earlier than touchdown on the injured record for the remainder of the marketing campaign. He was at OK in these few outings, however the 35-year-old will probably be a free agent once more this offseason. Time for a 3rd go-round for Boston?

31. Luis Guerrero (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Guerrero, a 24-year-old right-hander taken within the seventeenth spherical of the 2021 draft, made his MLB debut on Sept. 8. Over the course of 9 whole appearances, he did fairly effectively, permitting zero earned runs, putting out 9 batters and recording three holds. That’s fairly the encouraging September call-up.

30. Richard Fitts (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Fitts received referred to as as much as make 4 begins in September and you realize what, he was fairly good. The 24-year-old gave up solely six runs (4 earned) over 20 2/3 innings, going no less than 5 frames in all of his outings. On the unfavorable facet, he had practically as many walks (seven) as strikeouts (9). We’ll see what position he may need subsequent yr primarily based on this transient audition, however my guess is he’s not destined for the full-time beginning rotation simply but.

Photograph By Winslow Townson/Getty Pictures

29. Romy Gonzalez (Earlier Rank: 26)

One in every of a number of utility infielders the Crimson Sox employed this season, Gonzalez appeared in 89 video games and produced a 97 wRC+ throughout 216 plate appearances, placing him proper round alternative stage.

28. Nick Sogard (Earlier Rank: 24)

Sogard logged time at each infield place throughout 31 video games for the Crimson Sox after getting his first style of MLB motion in early August. His manufacturing didn’t sustain along with his versatility, although, as he had simply an 81 wRC+ and didn’t go yard as soon as. At simply 27, Sogard ought to have extra alternatives sooner or later, however with no ton of prospect pedigree, what number of stays a query.

27. Enmanuel Valdez (Earlier Rank: 27)

Valdez flashed some potential this yr however far too sometimes. The 25-year-old, one in every of many gamers to man the futile second base spot for the Crimson Sox, mixed a 72 wRC+ with subpar protection to finish up beneath alternative stage. In equity, Valdez was shipped forwards and backwards between Worcester and Boston a number of occasions, however he’ll have to be extra constant to lock down a daily spot on the MLB stage sooner or later.

26. Josh Winckowski (Earlier Rank: 30)

Winckowski was as soon as once more a do-it-all pitcher for the Crimson Sox, though he moved forwards and backwards from Worcester a handful of occasions as effectively. Throughout 76 innings (34 reduction appearances and 6 begins), the 26-year-old relied on his cutter and sinker to induce groundballs en path to a 97 ERA-. It was a step again for him, however he remained a helpful contributor.

25. Garrett Whitlock (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

Whitlock was strong in his very restricted time on the mound in 2024 attributable to an elbow problem that required surgical procedure. The proper-hander is ready to start throwing again and the hope is that he’ll be on top of things for subsequent season. He’s this excessive on the record as a result of when and if he’s wholesome, he could be a main distinction maker.

24. Brennan Bernardino (Earlier Rank: 28)

Bernardino was a crucial bullpen arm for a lot of the season, though he ended it on the 15-day injured record. His manufacturing regressed from final yr, sadly, as his ERA and FIP each crept over 4.00 whereas he struck out fewer batters and walked greater than he did in 2023.

23. Danny Jansen (Earlier Rank: 21)

Jansen will seemingly be remembered extra for the fun fact he’s now a part of than his play on the sector for the Crimson Sox. After being traded to Boston earlier than the deadline, the 29-year-old catcher slashed simply .184/.326/.303 for an 84 wRC+. He’ll be a free agent this winter and except the Crimson Sox have been enamored along with his spectacular stroll charge, he’ll seemingly transfer on to a different squad.

22. Cam Booser (Earlier Rank: 25)

For a 32-year-old reliever who took quite the journey to get to the MLB stage, Booser made essentially the most of his first season as an enormous leaguer. Between a couple of journeys between Worcester and Boston and a few damage troubles, the left-hander appeared in 43 video games and put up a 3.38 ERA and three.80 FIP.

21. Zack Kelly (Earlier Rank: 12)

Like many relievers today, Kelly went forwards and backwards from the minors all through the season. When he was in Boston, he was OK, sporting a 3.97 ERA and 4.84 FIP over a career-high 56 2/3 innings. Walks and residential runs actually held him again from being a everlasting member of the bullpen, so we’ll see if he can restrict these extra subsequent yr.

Photograph by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe by way of Getty Pictures

20. David Hamilton (Earlier Rank: 17)

Hamilton’s pace actually stole (pardon the pun) the present when it comes to his manufacturing this yr. The 27-year-old snagged 33 bases whereas being caught solely 4 occasions. The remainder of his profile was much less excellent, as he had only a 92 wRC+ whereas being first rate along with his glove. Whereas he might have issues to determine on the plate, having one elite ability will serve Hamilton effectively, even when he has to accept a utility position as soon as once more subsequent yr.

19. Cooper Criswell (Earlier Rank: 20)

Going by video games began, Criswell was the Crimson Sox’s No. 5 man within the rotation this yr. He acquitted himself pretty effectively given the position, as he had a 3.49 ERA and 4.21 FIP in 85 innings as a starter. His much less profitable work as a reliever pulled down his total numbers, however with the Crimson Sox needing arms to tackle beginning duties, Criswell stepped up.

18. Ceddanne Rafaela (Earlier Rank: 11)

Rafaela, who turned 24 on Sept. 18, was an exceptionally thrilling participant to look at as a rookie, however there are nonetheless plenty of flaws he must iron out. Regardless of his wonderful defensive versatility and pace, Rafaela by no means discovered sufficient rhythm on the plate. He had his moments, belting 15 residence runs, however his just about invisible stroll charge contributed to a far beneath common 79 wRC+. In all, Rafaela was price lower than a win regardless of enjoying in 152 video games. Whereas we are able to attribute his struggles to age to a level, he’ll want to point out drastic enhancements within the subsequent few years.

17. Rob Refsnyder (Earlier Rank: 18)

Refsnyder’s potential to feast on left-handed pitching served him effectively this season, as he produced a 160 wRC+ in opposition to southpaws, serving to to buoy his 130 mark for the yr total. Nevertheless, Refsnyder was pressed into service in opposition to righties fairly continuously as effectively, and though his bat wasn’t as potent in such conditions, he remained a strong utility outfielder for a lot of the yr no matter who was on the mound. The Crimson Sox have a $2 million membership choice to deliver Refsnyder again subsequent yr; with how integral he’s been the final couple seasons, I’d anticipate they’ll train it.

16. Greg Weissert (Earlier Rank: 16)

Weissert was one of many Crimson Sox’s most utilized and handiest relievers this season. He pitched in a team-high 62 video games and used his side-winding supply to supply a 3.13 ERA and three.72 FIP. He was notably nasty in September, holding opponents scoreless throughout 11 2/3 innings. He’ll seemingly be a key cog within the bullpen machine subsequent yr as effectively.

15. Justin Slaten (Earlier Rank: 22)

Slaten had a really sturdy rookie marketing campaign, accruing the very best fWAR whole amongst full-time Crimson Sox relievers (1.5). The 27-year-old right-hander had a 2.93 ERA and even higher FIP (2.61) in 55 1/3 innings and he additionally struck out 25.9% of the batters he confronted whereas strolling solely 4.0%. The Crimson Sox will probably be hoping for an encore efficiency subsequent yr.

14. Connor Wong (Earlier Rank: 19)

Who would have thought Wong could be the final remaining participant on the Crimson Sox from the Mookie Betts commerce? Given his 2024 marketing campaign, it appears much less shocking. Granted, Wong was solely price one win, however he produced a 110 wRC+ as a catcher and socked 13 residence runs. His protection stays suspect, sadly, or else he’d seemingly be one of many higher backstops in baseball.

Photograph by Mary Holt/MLB Images by way of Getty Pictures

13. Trevor Story (Earlier Rank: Not Ranked)

It wasn’t a certain factor that Story would get again on the sector in 2024 after he dislocated a shoulder in early April. However the 31-year-old returned in early September to play out the string. The outcomes have been strong, as he led the Crimson Sox in fWAR throughout the month (0.6) whereas posting a 119 wRC+ and shoring up the shortstop place. He’ll be again subsequent yr and hopefully he’ll maintain it going.

12. Masataka Yoshida (Earlier Rank: 2)

Regardless of a massively chilly first few months and an unspectacular September, Yoshida nonetheless turned in an above common offensive marketing campaign (115 wRC+), fueled by his wonderful bat-to-ball expertise. Nevertheless, his protection and baserunning prowess stay suspect and with no ton of pop (10 residence runs), it’s powerful to name the complete marketing campaign a full-on success. Nonetheless, Yoshida has confirmed to be competent participant prime have within the lineup, particularly when he goes on a scorching streak.

11. Chris Martin (Earlier Rank: 7)

Even a 6.75 ERA in September couldn’t sink Martin’s in any other case wonderful 2024, though it actually didn’t assist the Crimson Sox’s failed postseason push. The 38-year-old reliever set a career-low 1.7% stroll charge whereas putting out 27.8% of the batters he confronted throughout 44 1/3 innings this season. His 3.45 ERA was a contact larger than you would possibly anticipate, however his 2.78 FIP signifies simply how efficient he was all through the marketing campaign. Martin will probably be a free agent this winter and given his age, retirement may be on the horizon, however he proved he nonetheless has lots left to supply in 2024.

10. Kenley Jansen (Earlier Rank: 10)

Jansen was really a bit higher in 2024 than he was when he was when he was the Crimson Sox’s lone All-Star consultant in 2023. He improved his ERA, FIP, stroll charge and residential run charge. Nevertheless, we’re speaking marginal enhancements right here. At this level in his profession, Jansen will seemingly simply maintain buzzing alongside posting an ERA within the threes whereas saving 25-30 video games like he has his two years in Boston. That’s except his age catches up with him, because the now free agent ended the yr on the injured record and can enter his age-37 season in 2025.

9. Kutter Crawford (Earlier Rank: 14)

Crawford pitched extra innings than another Crimson Sox hurler, racking up 183 2/3 frames throughout 33 begins (additionally a team-high). For essentially the most half, these innings have been fairly good, though the 28-year-old right-hander couldn’t preserve his sturdy begin to the season all yr. The truth is, he really completed with worse run prevention numbers than final yr total, however he proved he may eat innings and for a Crimson Sox rotation that wanted some stability, that had worth in and of itself.

8. Nick Pivetta (Earlier Rank: 13)

Able to putting out 10 over seven shutout innings someday and getting lit up for seven runs the subsequent, Pivetta tied with Brayan Bello for the second-most fWAR amongst Crimson Sox pitchers this season whereas putting out a team-best 28.9% of batters he confronted and posting a simply above common ERA- of 97. He’ll make sure you entice a number of bidders for his providers as he enters free company this winter.

Photograph By Winslow Townson/Getty Pictures

7. Brayan Bello (Earlier Rank: 4)

After signing a six-year, $55 million extension previous to the season, Bello had lots using on his shoulders getting into the 2024 marketing campaign. Because the membership’s opening day starter, he struggled with ineffectiveness and accidents within the first half, however he began to show issues round after the All-Star break. From July 20 to season’s finish he had a 3.47 ERA and three.67 FIP in 72 2/3 innings, far surpassing his season-long numbers (4.49 ERA, 4.19 FIP). Ideally, he’ll construct on that success and produce at such a charge (or higher) from begin to end subsequent yr.

6. Triston Casas (Earlier Rank: 8)

Casas missed an enormous chunk of the season with a left rib pressure, however when he did play, he was strong. The 24-year-old first baseman had a 119 wRC+ with 13 residence runs throughout 243 plate appearances whereas strolling 12.3% of the time. To take the subsequent step towards stardom, he’ll want to chop down on the strikeouts and shore up his protection. That every one appears doable, particularly if he can keep wholesome for many or all of subsequent yr.

5. Wilyer Abreu (Earlier Rank: 1)

In his first full season within the bigs, Abreu turned in a powerful marketing campaign, posting 3.0 fWAR with a 114 wRC+ whereas enjoying sturdy outfield protection. He might not have flashed star energy, however any staff may use an above common place participant who hasn’t even hit his late 20s simply but.

4. Tyler O’Neill (Earlier Rank: 15)

The Crimson Sox signed O’Neil to a one-year deal earlier than this previous season and I’d say they received their cash’s price. The 29-year-old outfielder clocked a team-high 31 residence runs and produced a 131 wRC+ throughout 473 plate appearances whereas setting a career-high in stroll charge (11.2%). He additionally struck out a ton and was streaky as hell, however with all that energy comes nice accountability? Hmm. I believe I misplaced the plot there. Regardless, O’Neil proved he can bop and that may seemingly result in a strong payday for him this winter.

3. Rafael Devers (Earlier Rank: 6)

Devers was on tempo for a profession yr earlier than hitting a wall in August. Over the second half of the season, he had only a 95 wRC+, down from 159 earlier than the All-Star break. He additionally ended the season on the injured record with shoulder irritation. Regardless of the swoon down the stretch, Devers was nonetheless a four-win participant who launched 28 residence runs and produced a team-high 134 wRC+. He’ll nonetheless be the focus of this lineup as soon as once more subsequent yr even because the Crimson Sox attempt to kind out their future round him.

2. Tanner Houck (Earlier Rank: 3)

For a lot of the 2024 season, Houck was a Cy Younger Award frontrunner. Though he fell off that tempo over the again half of the marketing campaign, he nonetheless put collectively a wonderful yr, amassing practically 4.0 fWAR whereas posting a 3.12 ERA and three.32 FIP throughout 178 2/3 innings. Whether or not Houck is definitely an ace stays to be seen, however he proved that he could be a superb a part of a rotation, one thing that wasn’t so sure only a yr in the past.

1. Jarren Duran (Earlier Rank: 5)

Questions on Duran’s potential to construct on a strong 2023 season have been answered in 2024. The 28-year-old outfielder produced a 20-30 marketing campaign (21 residence runs, 34 stolen bases) whereas logging a team-high 6.7 fWAR, the seventh-best mark in all of baseball. He additionally made his first All-Star staff and was a plus defender. Sadly, his use of a homophobic slur in an alternate with a fan stained his off-the-field status. The hope is that he can be taught and enhance from the incident similar to he has on the sector.