Rising stars for the Boston Red Sox
With spring training set to start in late February, each team is filled with hope for a run at a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After a disappointing last-place finish in the American League East in 2023, the Boston Red Sox will look to improve upon their 78-84 record from last season as they look to compete next season.
Here are three rising stars who will look to make an impact for the Red Sox in 2024.
Brayan Bello, pitcher
2023 MLB stats: 12-11, 4.24 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 132 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched
After a disappointing end to his 2023 season, Bello enters 2024 with the expectations to be a major part of the rotation and the future in Boston.
Posting a 6-5 record with a 3.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 70 strikeouts in 80 innings before the All-Star break in his first full season in the MLB, the 24-year-old was one of the hottest pitchers in the MLB.
In the second half of 2023, Bello imploded going 6-6 with a 5.49 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched after the All-Star break.
Despite his struggles, he still possesses immense talent and the Red Sox are hoping that he will take a leap forward in 2024 to become the ace they envisioned he would be. Bello is not backing down from the challenge, as he is hoping to be the Opening Day starter for Boston for years to come.
With Hall-of-Fame and former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez mentoring the young pitcher, he has one of the most talented pitchers to ever touch the mound's brain to pick whenever he needs. This is something that should benefit him and he looks to embrace the grind of the MLB season.
Entering his second full season, Bello is one to watch in 2024.
Triston Casas, first base
2023 MLB stats: .263/.367/.490, 24 home runs, 21 doubles and 65 RBI in 132 games played
Casas got his first taste of the majors in 2022, slugging five home runs in 27 games but he struggled to make consistent contact resulting in a .197 batting average.
In his first full season, the 24-year-old proved he belonged slugging 24 home runs and driving in 65 runs while looking like the cornerstone first baseman they have lacked since former first baseman David Ortiz retired in 2016.
Finishing third in the American League Rookie of the Year award voting, Casas was up for the award many figured his teammate outfielder Masataka Yoshida would win before the season started.
Along with Bello, Cases is one of the former top prospects in the Red Sox farm system that will be leaned on heavily if they hope to compete in 2024.
With third baseman Rafael Devers the face of the franchise, Casas will have the luxury of hitting behind one of the best sluggers in the MLB and a lineup that is more than capable of producing in 2024.
Ceddanne Rafaela, outfield
2023 MLB stats: .241/.281/.386, two home runs, five RBI and three stolen bases in 28 games played
After a brief stop in the MLB in 2023, Rafaela is a dark horse candidate for the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Award with his impressive blend of power and speed.
Playing in 108 games across two minor league levels in 2023, Rafaela slashed .302/.349/520 with 54 extra-base hits, 79 RBI and 36 stolen bases before he was called up to the Red Sox.
Able to play multiple positions including outfield, shortstop and second base, Red Sox manager Alex Cora will be able to get creative with his lineups thanks to the 23-year-old's versatility.
After a rough finish for Boston last season, the youth movement in Boston will look to light a spark in the team as they look to make its first postseason appearance since 2021.
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