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The Boston Red Sox need to rebound in 2016 and get back in the title picture. They’ve made some big moves this offseason to get going in the right direction. However, several players must stay off the disabled list to give the Sox any chance of getting back to the playoffs.
5. Blake Swihart
Credit: Getty Images5. Blake Swihart
Swihart figures to be the Red Sox' full-time catcher in 2016. It will be his first time breaking camp with the big club. He is young and is still learning how to run a pitching staff, as well as some of team's pitchers he hasn't worked with yet. They can't afford to have him miss any time and stunt his growth as a leader behind the dish.
4. Clay Buchholz
Credit: Getty Images4. Clay Buchholz
Buchholz is a bit less important to the team now that they finally have a true ace in David Price. However, Buchholz figures to slide into the No. 2 rotation spot to start. He is a proven guy, who when healthy is pretty effective. If he can stay healthy and lengthen out the starting rotation, the Red Sox could have a quality playoff caliber staff.
3. Hanley Ramirez
Credit: Getty Images3. Hanley Ramirez
Ramirez was battling injuries a lot last season which really rendered him ineffective down the stretch. A move to first base this year could certainly help keep him healthier, but who knows with his injury history. If he is healthy, he can help form a pretty formidable lineup in Boston.
2. David Ortiz
Credit: Getty Images2. David Ortiz
Ortiz has been pretty darn healthy in his major league career, but as he is another year older and entering his final MLB season, it is no guarantee he will make it all year. You want him to make it thought for the simple fact that this is his last season and fans will want to see him as much as possible before he is gone for good. He's still their best hitter, and a lineup with him on the DL will certainly destroy their chances.
1. Dustin Pedroia
Credit: Getty Images1. Dustin Pedroia
Pedroia has been a great player in his Red Sox career, but his injury frequency is certainly one knock on him. He plays harder than anyone which ironically could be his downfall, but it's that effort that makes him so needed on the field. He is the unquestioned leader of the team, and we have seen what happens when he goes down, they collapse. Pedroia must play 150-plus games in 2016.
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