Fenway Times Archives - Saturday March 29, 2025

Saturday, March 29, 2025: Red Sox Season Kicks Off with Promising Highlights and Challenges

The Boston Red Sox's 2025 season has begun with a mix of exciting developments and notable hurdles. Manager Alex Cora clarified that Rafael Devers will not be playing third base on Alex Bregman’s off days, opting instead to have Devers serve as the designated hitter for the season, emphasizing strategic roster management. Despite Devers' recent struggles at the plate, including four strikeouts in a game against the Texas Rangers, Cora remains optimistic, suggesting it’s only a matter of time before the slugger finds his rhythm.

Off the field, the team’s front office and players are engaged in intense negotiations and development efforts. Garrett Crochet revealed that extension talks with the Red Sox were “fairly down to the wire” before Opening Day, highlighting the ongoing efforts to secure key players for the future. Meanwhile, prospects like Kristian Campbell continue to make waves, with his meteoric rise culminating in a successful big-league debut that has the rest of the ‘Big 3’ expressing chills. Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are also making strides in Triple-A Worcester, feeding off each other’s energy and aiming to prove doubters wrong.

On the mound, the Red Sox are preparing for their upcoming games with new faces and familiar names. Buehler is set to make his debut, adding depth to the pitching staff, while Tanner Houck is slated to start his first game of the season. Wilyer Abreu made a notable season debut with two homers, dedicating his performance to someone special, and Liam Hendriks’ unexpected addition to the injured list adds a layer of intrigue to the team’s roster management. The team’s minor league affiliates are also active, with Brayan Bello scheduled to make two starts for the WooSox as part of his recovery process.

The series against the Texas Rangers has been a focal point, with Jonah Heim homering twice and rookie Jack Leiter earning his first career win as the Rangers defeated the Red Sox 4-1. Despite the loss, the team remains resilient, with fans and analysts urging patience and emphasizing that early setbacks are part of the season’s journey. The team’s broadcast plans and fan engagement activities, including discussions about where to eat before or after games, reflect a vibrant community eager to support their team through both wins and losses.

Overall, the Red Sox’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be one of growth, resilience, and exciting prospects, with key players and emerging talents setting the stage for an engaging season ahead.

Boston.com

Rafael Devers will not play 3B for Red Sox on Alex Bregman’s off days, Alex Cora says

Boston.com

Garrett Crochet says extension talks with Red Sox were ‘fairly down to the wire’ before Opening Day

Boston.com

Jonah Heim homers twice and rookie Jack Leiter gets 1st career win as Rangers beat Red Sox 4-1

Boston.com

The rest of Red Sox’s ‘Big 3’ have ‘chills’ over Kristian Campbell’s big-league debut

Boston.com

Why Garrett Crochet deemed his debut start with Red Sox a ‘grinder day’

Boston.com

Red Sox’ Wilyer Abreu reveals to whom he dedicated his 2-homer season debut

Boston.com

Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer looking to prove doubters wrong in Worcester

Blogging the Red Sox

Red Sox release pitching prospect from Andrew Benintendi trade

Over the Monster

Red Sox News & Links: Liam Hendriks an unexpected addition to the IL