By Jake Soroff

As a realistic Red Sox fan, I have mixed feelings about the team’s start to the 2023 MLB season. This season is following a confusing offseason. While there have been some positives, there are also some areas of concern that need to be addressed if the team wants to have a successful season.  

On the positive side, Chris Sale is back and can hopefully return to his dominant self after a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. Rafael Devers also seems as though he could light-up the competition this season, hitting for both power/average while providing a much-needed offensive boost. The team has also had some solid performances from players like Alex Verdugo and the newly-added Kenley Janson, who has yet to give up a run this season.  

There are some areas of concern, however. The starting rotation beyond Chris Sale and Nick Pivetta has been inconsistent, and the bullpen has been shaky more often than not. The team has also had some defensive miscues with creating errors and this has cost them a few games.

Offensively, the team has been streaky. They have had some big games followed by some frustrating slumps. While Devers has been a bright spot, Triston Casas who is new to the big leagues and Kiké Hernandez have both struggled to find their groove.

 Overall, the Red Sox have the talent to compete. They just need to address their weaknesses and find more consistency in both the starting lineup and bullpen if they want to have a shot at making the playoffs. I know that it’s still early in the season and anything can happen, but the team will need to step up their game if they want to contend in a tough AL East. Anyways, there is nothing to do now but watch and cheer them on. Go Sox!