3. Superb defense across the outfield
For the first two games of the World Series, at least, expect to see some lights out defense by all three of the Red Sox outfielders.
Defending the Green Monster in left field, they’ve got Andrew Benintendi, who shagged some incredible fly balls in the ALCS. None of those were bigger than his catch in Game 4, when he dove face first into the grass to snag the final out of the game with bases loaded, saving Craig Kimbrel’s rear end from blowing the save. Benintendi also sprinted all the way to the warning track in left center to grab the final out in Game 5 as well, clinching the series for Boston.
On the other side in right field, the Red Sox have Mookie Betts. Not only is he going to win the American League MVP award for his outstanding performances at the plate, but he’s also a former Gold Glove winner. He made a couple of impressive plays in right field during the ALCS, even snagging a home run out of the front row in Game 4.
Finally, in center field, the Red Sox have Jackie Bradley Jr., who is one of the best defensive center fielders in the game. His bat isn’t always reliable (though it was in the ALCS), and he gets some flak for that occasionally from Boston fans, but the Red Sox keep him around because the work he does in center field is special. It never gets old watching him sprint out the Bermuda Triangle area at Fenway Park and slide on his knees to make the catch, which he’s done countless times.
The outfield will be solid for the Red Sox in Games 1 and 2. But when the series shifts to Los Angeles and the Red Sox can’t use the DH, the outfield might receive a minor downgrade as J.D. Martinez will likely have to take one of those spots in order to keep his bat in the lineup.