I could point out they did replace Bregman, who came to Boston with a 121 OPS+ over the previous 3 seasons, with Willson Contreras, who came to Boston with a 127 OPS+ over the previous 3 seasons. Of course, Contreras is also 2 years older as he is in his age 34 season. But I also wanted them to deal Bello for an infielder capable of more offense than Durbin.
But either way, the Sox and especially Devers got off to an abysmal start last season, too. And did so with those big bats you mentioned, one of whom was Problem #1 with the offense over his first 5 games.
But it was early then, just as it is now. I’m not expecting anyone to go on the tear Devers eventually did go on. But I do expect more from most of them, and I will probably see that happen. How much more? TBD…