Catcher spot up for grabs
How will they replace Kimbrel and Kelly?
The Red Sox enter camp without a reliever having more than 13 career saves. They lost 128 innings and 44 saves last season from All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly.
The Red Sox are planning on going with Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier, who have combined for two saves. The Red Sox’s only move to strengthen the bullpen was signing 29-year-old Jenrry Mejia, who is back from the lifetime ban he received for violating the performanceenhancing policy three times.
He hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2015, after saving 28 games for the Mets in 2014, but pitched well in the Dominican winter league with a 2.54 ERA.
Who will do the catching?
The Red Sox enter camp with three catchers but are expected to break camp with two. They have to decide whether Blake Swihart will be a full-time catcher or a utility player or will be traded.
Christian Vazquez, who hit .207 with three homers and 16 RBI, is the favorite to be the regular starter. Sandy Leon is popular with the pitching staff but hit .177 last season.
Swihart hit .229 with three homers and 18 RBI last season in 192 at-bats, playing every position but shortstop and center field. This spring could determine Swihart’s fate in the organization.
— Bob Nightengale