As the final week of early sunsets approaches before Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday (don’t forget to spring forward!), here are seven pressing questions to keep Red Sox fans engaged:
1. **How will the Red Sox manage the shortstop situation?**
With a veteran shortstop signed through 2027 and a top prospect rising through the ranks, the team faces a delicate balancing act. The veteran is expected to hold the starting role, but the prospect’s impressive spring performance—hitting .294 with a .956 OPS, a triple, a home run, and five RBIs in seven games—has fans buzzing. While the prospect is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster, his time is coming, and the team will need to figure out how to integrate him into the lineup in the near future.
2. **Will the star third baseman be ready for Opening Day?**
The team’s slugging third baseman has been vocal about playing his preferred position, but after an offseason spent recovering from injury, he’s behind schedule in spring training. If he’s not ready soon, the team may have to rely on another Gold Glove-caliber player at the hot corner, at least temporarily.
3. **Is there such a thing as too much depth?**
After years of building, the Red Sox finally have a wealth of infield options. With a mix of established veterans, promising young players, and top prospects, the team faces the enviable challenge of finding playing time for everyone. While it’s a good problem to have, it could lead to tough decisions about who stays in the majors and who heads to Triple-A.
4. **Who steps into right field if the expected starter isn’t ready?**
A young outfielder’s readiness for Opening Day is in question after a recent illness sidelined him. The team is working to get him back on track, but if he’s not ready, they’ll need to find a temporary replacement in right field.
5. **Who fills the rotation if a key starter isn’t available?**
With one starting pitcher unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to a lingering injury, the team is considering several candidates to step into the rotation. Two young pitchers are in the mix, and their performances this spring could determine who gets the nod.
6. **Why hasn’t a legendary pitcher’s number been retired?**
The team has kept a certain number out of circulation since a legendary pitcher last wore it, but they haven’t officially retired it. With other deserving candidates also in consideration, the question remains whether the team will ever honor the controversial former star in this way.
7. **Who will take the mound on Opening Day?**
The Red Sox don’t yet know which pitcher they’ll face in their season opener, but they do know it won’t be the opposing team’s ace. Instead, they’re likely to face a familiar face from their 2018 World Series run. As for their own starter, a young left-hander is a strong candidate, but if he starts the opener, he won’t be available for the home opener a few days later.
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