How ex-Red Sox have fared so far in 2021 season
The 2021 Red Sox are off to a scorching hot start to begin the season. For the most part, Boston's new additions have looked promising.But what about the players the Red Sox have left behind?We're almost one month into the new campaign and a few former Sox standouts already have turned heads. Others are going through some real slumps in their new uniforms.Here's how some of the notable ex-Red Sox have performed so far in 2021.
After placing second in the 2020 NL MVP race, Mookie continues to do Mookie things in L.A. Through 12 games, Betts is slashing .292/.414/.500 with two homers.
He also remains one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. In the Dodgers' recent series vs. the Padres, Betts made a ridiculous game-winning diving catch.
Seeing Betts on every highlight reel isn't going to get any easier for Sox fans. On the bright side though, Alex Verdugo (acquired in the Betts deal) is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Boston.
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With the Dodgers boasting a stacked rotation, Price is pitching out of the bullpen after opting out of the 2020 season. So far in 2021, the '18 World Series champion has a 5.19 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in six appearances (8 1/3 innings pitched).
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To this point, a change of scenery hasn't helped Benintendi following a miserable 2020 with Boston. In 15 games with Kansas City, the 26-year-old is hitting just .193 with zero homers and 17 strikeouts in 63 plate appearances.
JBJ's first post-Red Sox season is going exactly how you'd expect. Bradley is struggling with the bat (.213, 1 HR, 22 Ks in 16 games) while producing web gems in center field. Given how streaky he's been throughout his career, we probably should expect a hot stretch at the plate sometime soon.
Moreland joined the A's as their designated hitter this offseason and that acquisition began to pay dividends Tuesday. The former Sox first baseman crushed his first two homers of the season in Game 1 of Oakland's doubleheader vs. the Twins. Through 16 games, the veteran 35-year-old veteran is hitting .250 with eight RBI and a .726 OPS.
Holt made the Rangers roster out of spring training and has played in seven games so far this season. The ex-Red Sox utility man has been fairly productive at the plate with a slash line of .263/.481/.316 and three RBI in 27 plate appearances. He has seven walks to only four strikeouts.
Workman struggled mightily after being dealt to the Phillies in 2020, allowing 23 hits and 11 runs over 13 innings. So far with the Cubs this season, the right-handed reliever has allowed six hits and three runs over five innings.
Kimbrel has bounced back from a shaky 2020 with Chicago and dominated thus far in 2021. The '18 World Series champ has allowed only one hit and zero runs in eight innings while striking out 13 and walking five.
Since leaving the Red Sox after the 2018 season, Pomeranz has turned into one of the most reliable relief pitchers in baseball. Last year with the Padres, the left-hander posted a 1.45 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 20 appearances. This season he's allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings of work.
Sorry, Sox fans, but there's no way we could leave Sandoval off this list given what he's done for the Braves so far this year. He's been incredible as a pinch hitter, crushing three homers and driving in seven runs in 16 plate appearances. To put that into perspective, Sandoval hit only 14 homers in 620 total plate appearances with Boston.
