Vote: Who Will Lead the Red Sox in Home Runs in 2013?

by NESN Staff on Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 2:50PM

The Red Sox are looking to turn things around in 2013 after a disappointing 2012 season, and offense will be a key to their success. They’ll especially need to show off more power than they did last season.

The 2012 Red Sox finished tied for 14th in the majors in home runs, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia leading the way with 25, tying him for 21st in the American League.

Boston finalized a deal with Mike Napoli this week, which should add some offense to the lineup. Napoli has hit 20-plus home runs each season since 2008, and he could be in line to do so again this season if he remains healthy.

The Red Sox also signed free-agent outfielder Jonny Gomes back in November. Gomes is a career .244 hitter, but he has plenty of pop. He hit 18 home runs last season in just 99 games.

David Ortiz and Jacoby Ellsbury, who could once again find their way atop the Red Sox’ batting totals, missed a chunk of games last season, but appear healthy and ready to lead Boston’s rebound this season. Ortiz missed 72 games in 2012, but was still able to hit .318 with 23 home runs. Ellsbury made his return to the lineup in July and ended his season hitting .271 with just four home runs, but he did hit 32 bombs in 2011.

Will Middlebrooks will also be returning from an injury, as his season was cut short in August. Middlebrooks was hitting .288 with 15 home runs in only 75 games, and he could be ready to take the next step in 2013.