BOSTON — The Red Sox have real defensive problems.

They led the American League in errors in each of the last two season as unearned runs and pitching durability issues plagued Boston all throughout a three-season playoff drought.

Within those struggles, however, is an outfield on the rise with legitimate young talent that contributes to the run-prevention mission pitching coach Andrew Bailey strives for with the Red Sox.

Ceddanne Rafaela should return to center field full time with a healthy Trevor Story back at shortstop. Boston signed Rafaela to an extension last spring because he is a game-changer in centerfield.

Jarren Duran rose to national prominence as a dynamic offensive player and the 2024 All-Star Game MVP. His defense should not be overlooked after a significant step forward last season. On top of all that, Wilyer Abreu won a Gold Glove in right field in his first full season for the Red Sox.

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Outfield coordinator Kyle Hudson takes immense pride in the rising skill group that routinely makes an impact on a regular basis for the Red Sox.

“We talk about it in spring training from Day 1,” Hudson told NESN.com during Fenway Fest on Saturday. “It’s one cohesive unit in my opinion.”

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All three of those players elevated each other to create one of the stronger defensive outfields in baseball. Day-to-day work and buy in stand out to Hudson as the pillars of the talented Red Sox group.

“It’s not individuals, we’re in this thing as a group,” Hudson said. “These guys (have) ability. (Rafaela’s) ability to lay out for a ball. He does that because he knows if it’s in right-center, he knows that Willy’s going to be behind him backing him up. I take pride in the fact of the way these guys go about their business. These guys trust each other. These guys work together as a group. That’s really what I’m proud of.”

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Hudson further credited one-year Boston players in Adam Duvall and Tyler O’Neill for sliding into the mix and embracing the working culture. Hudson wants to see emerging prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell follow the lead of the group as they are on the verge of their Red Sox debuts.

“This group has bought into that,” Hudson added. “Just how talented they are defensively. … It’s a fun group to be with every day.”

Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images