The Boston Red Sox had one of the better offenses the MLB had to offer in 2024, as they finished ninth in home runs (194), ninth in RBIs (724) and seventh in OPS (.742).
Still, that wasn't enough for the Red Sox to secure a winning record or a postseason berth last year, so they'll have to work hard this offseason to improve.
Appearing on "The Eye Test" podcast, Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse explained exactly where Boston needs to get better in 2025 to reach their goals.
"I think the next step for us, really, I think our Achilles heel was the strikeout percentage for me," Fatse said. "I think that and some of the whiffs that we had. I think those pockets, when you're swinging and missing to elite arms sometimes it becomes challenging to battle. Obviously, we did slug, so there's a tradeoff there as well."
Fatse also gave some examples of guys who could see jumps in 2025.
"I think a guy that stands out that we haven't even seen close to the best possible version of is I think Ceddanne (Rafaela)," Fatse said. "I think there's another level to Ceddanne. He's athletic. We saw it. There were glimpses where you can see the type of player (he is). I think he has a better understanding of what it takes to play a full season, 162 (games). (He has) a better idea of who he is as a player too. I think there's another gear for Wilyer Abreu too that is All-Star. Obviously, we know what he can do on the defensive front, but I think there's another gear for him as well.
"One that's probably a little obvious, maybe, moreso because of the injury, but Trevor Story. I think that again going into this year. He's gonna be in great physical condition. He knows what he needs to work on. He's gonna work tirelessly at it. He's gonna push the guys around him. I think there's, obviously, another level there. Obviously, we anticipate him being on the field Day 1 and ready to go."
If Boston's young studs take steps forward and they add help in free agency or through trades, they could become overnight contenders.
