On Wednesday, the Red Sox wrapped up their Spring Training schedule, which they finished with a 16-11 record. Of course it’s preseason, so any results need to be taken with a grain of salt. At the same time, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to take away from the last month in Fort Myers.

This was a key spring for a number of players on the roster, including veterans returning from injury, young players getting their first somewhat-regular exposure to major league competition, and position battles on the back end of the roster. Who made the most of their opportunities? Here’s a look at some of the top Red Sox performers this spring.

• 2B Kiké Hernandez

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  Hernandez could end up being the highlight of this year's Red Sox free agency class. He hit .327 this spring, while drawing more walks (10) than strikeouts (8). Look for him to be the new leadoff hitter to open the season.

• DH JD Martinez

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  Coming off of a down year in 2020, Martinez showed signs he may be on the upswing. He hit .291 in 19 games, with four doubles and a home run.

• 1B Bobby Dalbec

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  Dalbec's seven home runs were the second-most by any player in baseball this spring. He also looked to have a more well-rounded approach at the plate compared to his short major league stint last year, posting a .377 OBP in 19 games. Expect to see him at first base on Opening Day.
• OF Jarren Duran

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  Jarren Duran continues to impress in every opportunity he gets. The 24-year-old hit .327 this spring, the highest average on the team for any player with at least 45 at-bats. He also hit seven homers while striking out just eight times. He won't be on the roster initially, but we should see him at some point this summer.

• IF Christian Arroyo

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  Arroyo was one of the biggest surprises of camp for the Red Sox. Playing almost every day, his bat (.269 average) and positional versatility proved to be enough for him to beat out Michael Chavis for the reserve infielder spot on the Opening Day roster.

• SP Eduardo Rodriguez

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  Despite not having pitched for a year after COVID-related heath issues cost him his 2020 season, Rodriguez showed no rust this spring. He recorded a 2.63 ERA in four starts, with a WHIP of just 0.95. A 'dead arm' injury will cost him the first week of the season, but his Spring Training performance was encouraging.
• SP Martin Perez

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  The Red Sox will look to Perez to be a steadying presence at the back end of their rotation this year, and if his Spring Training performance is any indication, he's up for the job. He led the team with 20 innings pitched and 17 strikeouts, with a 4.05 ERA.

• RP Matt Barnes

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  Barnes entered the spring as the presumptive favorite to win the closer job, and did nothing to give any ground to those chasing him. He allowed just two hits in 5.1 innings, without giving up an earned run.

• RP Adam Ottavino

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  Barnes' closest competition for the closer job came from Ottavino, who was acquired in a trade with the Yankees this winter. The Northeastern product threw a scoreless 6.1 innings during Spring Training, while striking out seven hitters and walking just one. He and Barnes project to be a solid 8th-9th inning punch to start the season.

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Red Sox.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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