Grading Red Sox Players by Season Performance (Only the Good)

Finally, The Boston Red Sox are now analytically eliminated from the postseason race. Boston didn't show much fight after a slow start to the second half of the 2022 season, but top-draft pick here we come!

Now, let's put the negatives behind us and focus on some of the bright spots within the Red Sox organization. For example, Xander Bogaerts is competing for the BA Award! Now let's grade the Boston Red Sox players by season performance:
 
Xander Bogaerts (A)
 
There is no doubt that X-man is the heart and sole of the Boston Red Sox team. Bogaerts has been a staple within the Red Sox organization ever since his debut during the 2013 season.
 
Bogaerts has had a terrific yet interesting season to note. The Boston shortstop has put up the best on-base percentage and batting average to date in his career. Yet, Bogaerts' power numbers are significantly lower from previous seasons. Is this a bad thing? No.
 

Xander is hitting .314 with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs this season.The shortstop is currently second in the American League in batting average, sitting just a few points away from Aaron Judge. Bogaerts is currently supporting a tremendous 5.6 WAR on the season along with a solid 97% fielding percentage.
 
Michael Wacha (A)
 
Wacha was arguably the best player in the Red Sox organization this season. Boston signed the righty to a one-year contract worth $7,000,000, and he has proven to be well worth the money so far.
 
Wacha has pitched like an all-star throughout the entire season, and if not for a brief injury, Wacha's name would definitely be up for the Cy Young Award. The Red Sox starter put up his best statistical year of his career, with an 11-1 record and a 2.70 ERA.
 

The Iowa City native always gives his team a chance at a win. Wacha has mainly relied on in-play outs, which has led to just 97 strikeouts on the season while just allowing 36 runs on the season.
 
Rafael Devers (A)
 
Similar to Xander, Raffy Devers' power numbers are down from last season, although contact wise, the third baseman has shown improvement from the prior two seasons.
 
It is worthy to note that the Red Sox infielder has definitely shown more discipline at the plate, striking out only 111 times this season compared to 143 times last season. Raffy currently has 27 home runs (11 less than last season) and 84 home runs.
 
Devers has been fairly consistent throughout the season. Playing in 132 games this season, the righty is currently batting .289 with a 4.4 WAR.
 
Alex Verdugo (A-)
 
The Red Sox outfielder has been one of the bright spots within a struggling organization. Dugie, nicknamed "Dugie", has been a staple and a "fan favorite" within the Red Sox organization.
 
Verdugo brings the same amount of effort to every game. The Arizona native was fairly consistent at making contact and getting on base throughout the season. showcased by his career high and rising 71 RBI's, along with a respectable .283 average.
 

Defensively, Verdugo provided everything he was asked for, recording 16 outfield assists, split across all three outfield positions and only accounting for two errors.
 
John Schreiber (A-)
 
From nothing, to arguably the best reliever in the Red Sox organization. Schreiber has made a name for himself within the Boston organization this season. The 28-year-old pitcher has been nothing but solid all throughout the entire season.
 
Schreiber is utilized in key roles during tight games. For example, he has so far recorded eight saves. The bright spot within the Red Sox pen has a 2.18 ERA along with a 0.952 whip.

Honourable Mention:
  • Brayan Bello Development