Boston is focusing on a rebuild and could be wary of having prospects on the Opening Day roster, unlike 2018 when Manager Alex Cora went full steam ahead.

Third baseman Rafael Devers hopes to avoid his usual slow start to the season and make some significant improvements on defense.

Lefty Eduardo Rodriguez missed all of last season because of a heart condition brought on by coronavirus after breaking out as the top starter in 2019.

J.D. Martinez was unable to break down his swing via video last year, leading to his worst year in the majors.

Garrett Whitlock, picked up from the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft, will need to stay on the 26-man roster – or injured reserve – for Boston to retain his rights.

Boston certainly has more depth this season, but will the top-line pitchers be able to stay healthy and stay on the field?

Xander Bogaerts enters his eighth full season in the big leagues in the middle of his physical prime and as a key piece if Boston hopes to return to the postseason.

The team’s chief baseball officer, Chaim Bloom, says the season will be a success if he sees a strong foundation by the end of the year.

The left-handed starter missed last season after a bout with COVID-19 and myocarditis.

Boston’s ace said he also tested positive for COVID-19 in January but did not suffer some of the worst symptoms.