In an effort to bounce back from consecutive last-place finishes, the 2024 Red Sox are gearing up for the upcoming season with some key improvements. Despite a largely inactive winter in terms of free agent signings, the team is determined to turn things around and restore hope to their loyal fan base.

One area that the Red Sox are determined to upgrade is their defense. Last year, the team struggled with poor fielding, whether it be by defensive metrics or the eye-test. However, the addition of Trevor Story at shortstop promises significant improvement. Story's presence not only strengthens the infield defense but also allows Rafael Devers to play closer to the line, utilizing his strengths. The emergence of Ceddanne Rafaela in center field also has the potential to positively impact the outfield defense, with above-average defenders in all three spots on certain days.

Another area of focus is the bullpen, which saw some changes in the offseason. Manager Alex Cora expressed a preference for relievers with higher velocity and more flexibility, and he got just that with newcomers Justin Slaten and Isaiah Campbell. The Red Sox now have a bullpen that they can maneuver and rotate when the workload gets heavy, ensuring a full complement of fresh arms throughout the season.

With the departure of power hitters like Justin Turner and Adam Duvall, Cora has pushed for more athleticism in his roster. The additions of double-play partners Story and Vaughn Grissom, along with Rafaela's base-stealing capabilities, bring speed and agility to the team. This athleticism doesn't just manifest in stolen bases but also allows the Red Sox to take advantage of opportunities on the bases and put pressure on opponents.

Cora also emphasized the importance of innings from the starting rotation. While the game has shifted towards a more balanced workload between starters and relievers, Cora aims for a minimum of 25 innings per turn through the rotation. Though the team lacks established innings-eaters, they hope that Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock can step up and provide quality innings throughout the season.

Managing position player workload and providing necessary rest will be another key aspect for the Red Sox. Despite limited depth at the big league level, Cora plans to shuffle the lineup to keep players like Devers and Story sharp. Players like Pablo Reyes and Bobby Dalbec will serve as versatile backups in the infield, while Tyler O'Neill and Jarren Duran can contribute in various outfield positions.

As the 2024 season approaches, the Red Sox are determined to exceed expectations and revive the enthusiasm of their fan base. With an upgraded defense, a versatile roster, and a focus on innings, the team is hoping to turn things around and make a strong comeback in the highly competitive baseball landscape. Only time will tell if the Red Sox can bring back the glory days to Boston.