Regardless of a poor 2023 season as a staff, the Boston Purple Sox had quite a lot of people stand out with spectacular seasons.
Because of this, three Purple Sox gamers earned nominations for the All-MLB staff for the 2023 marketing campaign. Infielders Rafael Devers and Justin Turner together with reliever Chris Martin represented Boston among the many nominees. Every of the three gamers discovered a option to shine and affect the season for the Purple Sox.
Starting with Devers, the slugger had large expectations for his age-26 season after signing the richest extension in franchise historical past in January. Even whereas getting off to a “gradual” begin for his requirements, Devers blossomed within the later components of the season, slashing .271/.351/.500 for a .851 OPS. For the third time in his profession, Devers hit at the least 30 residence runs and drove in at the least 100 runs. The Boston third baseman additionally tied a career-high with 62 walks in 153 video games.
After a storied tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner got here to Boston with an instantaneous affect within the lineup and within the clubhouse. The 2020 World Sequence champion provided a veteran voice for the membership all season lengthy. On the sector, Turner was arguably Boston’s most constant hitter, slashing .276/.345/.455 for a .800 OPS. The infielder additionally clubbed 23 residence runs with a career-high 96 RBIs with a number of clutch hits for the Purple Sox.
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On the mound, Martin may have been one of the best reliever in baseball. The appropriate-hander is defying Father Time and discovering methods to get higher with age. The 37-year-old posted a outstanding 1.05 ERA in 55 appearances, going many of the summer season with out permitting a run in a dominant stretch as Boston’s premier setup man. Martin struck out 46 batters with simply eight walks in 55 1/3 innings of labor. The Purple Sox ought to have a high bullpen once more in 2024 with Martin enjoying a serious function.
Devers and Martin shall be staples for the Purple Sox in 2024 whereas Turner’s future is unclear as he enters free company after declining his choice.