The Boston Red Sox had one of the best third baseman in baseball last season in Alex Bregman, who was arguably the best defensive third baseman as well. However, they let him walk in the offseason, and it might come back to bite them.
Boston did land Caleb Durbin to replace him, although Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen believes the possible platoon of him and Marcelo Mayer may be their Achilles Heel.
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“The loss of Alex Bregman leaves the Red Sox without a clear answer at third base. Marcelo Mayer and Caleb Durbin are expected to get reps at the hot corner, but the team’s failure to retain Bregman was a big loss, both offensively and defensively,” Rasmussen wrote.
Rasmussen’s correct about the defensive part, as the Red Sox lost a Gold Glove at the position and replaced it with two young gloves that can make mistakes. However, the offense this platoon brings isn’t a big loss, and could actually be a decent replacement.
Last season, Durbin slashed .256/.334/.387/.721 with 25 doubles, 11 home runs, 53 RBI and 18 stolen bases, which is sure to improve as a righty in Fenway Park. As for Mayer, he did struggle last season, but so far in Spring Training, he’s slightly improved, as he’s slashed .231/.375/.462/.837 with a home run in five games played. So, while his average isn’t where it should be, all the other numbers point to good things.
Hopefully, this weakness isn’t a thing for the Sox, and both Durbin and Mayer have breakout seasons. And if it is, hopefully it truly isn’t their Achilles Heel.
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