One Part of the Boston Red Sox Offseason Plan Already Paying Massive Dividends

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox have significantly improved their defense this offseason, ranking as the best team in baseball for defensive runs saved and fielding run value. Key additions include starter Ranger Suarez and third baseman Caleb Durbin.

Key points

Boston Red Sox ranked best in baseball for defensive runs saved
Key offseason additions include Ranger Suarez and Caleb Durbin
Red Sox focused on run prevention after missing top free agents

Boston Red SoxTampa Bay RaysChicago Cubs

BOSTON-- For years, the Boston Red Sox featured one of the sloppiest defenses in all of baseball, finishing in the top two in errors committed in each of the last three seasons. As the Red Sox struck out on all of the top bats on the free agent market, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow's attention shifted towards run prevention, adding starter Ranger Suarez and third baseman Caleb Durbin. Boston's shift towards run prevention hasn't delivered the success Breslow was hoping for, but it has turned Boston into one of the best defensive teams in baseball.

Entering Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox ranked as the best defensive team in baseball by defensive runs saved (29) and fielding run value (17), and second in outs above average (16), trailing only the Chicago Cubs.

What led to the turnaround?

The Red Sox defensive turnaround is, of course, thanks in part to an outfield that already featured two of the best defenders in baseball. Right fielder Wilyer Abreu has won the Gold Glove in both of his major league seasons. Centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela took home the Gold Glove in center and was a finalist for the Platinum Glove in 2025.

Abreu and Rafaela are both off to fantastic starts in the field, with Abreu ranking in the top 10 in both OAA and DRS among all outfielders, while Rafaela is not far behind, ranking in the top 15 in OAA.

The strong outfield defense is not thanks to those two alone; whether it be or in left, both have been incredible defensively. Duran ranks in the top 10 in both DRS and OAA among qualified outfielders. After early in the season, the 21-year-old Anthony's DRS has suffered, but he has accumulated an OAA of 6 in 133.1 innings.

Q&A

How did the Boston Red Sox improve their defense in 2023?

The Red Sox improved their defense by focusing on run prevention and adding players like Ranger Suarez and Caleb Durbin.

What are the current defensive rankings of the Boston Red Sox?

As of now, the Red Sox rank first in defensive runs saved and fielding run value, and second in outs above average.

Who is responsible for the Boston Red Sox's offseason changes?

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is leading the Red Sox's offseason strategy, focusing on enhancing the team's defense.