Keys to victory
strength: Despite Red Sox chairman Tom Werner promising fans that his team would go “full throttle’’ this winter, they passed on all of the marquee free agents. Their biggest acquisition was starter Lucas Giolito (2 years, $38.5 million), only for him to have season-ending elbow surgery. They’re not expected to replace him from outside but will they splurge? Their rotation now looks thin.
Youth advances: The Red Sox are going with a young, inexperienced infield and need Vaughn
Rotation
Grissom to live up to the hype. He came to the Red Sox from Atlanta in the Chris Sale trade. Yet he suffered an injured groin and is expected to open the season on the injured list. They again will have All-Star Rafael Devers at third and are counting on first baseman Triston Casas to take the next step after finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting last season. Their biggest concern is shortstop Trevor Story, who signed a six-year, $140 million contract two years ago.
Locking up Cora: The most sought-after free agent next winter may be manager Alex Cora, widely considered one of the best in the business. He is in the final year of his contract and hasn’t had any negotiations with new general manager Craig Breslow. Sound familiar? This is what happened last year with Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who walked away after the season and signed a five-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. If the Red Sox struggle, and Cora feels as frustrated as he was last year, he could be out the door.