Red Sox 2022 Year in Review: T...

In 2021, the Boston Red Sox stunned the world by going to the American League Championship Series. Their efforts sparked excitement moving into the summer, but it didn't take long for some narratives to cast a black cloud over the club's prospects in 2022.

After the rush of a long postseason run wore off, attention turned to the uncertain futures of franchise pillars Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers. Bogaerts was due to opt out of his deal and become a free agent following the 2022 season, and Devers was set to follow a year later.

Part I: An uneasy offseason

The 2021-22 MLB offseason was a drag, and not just for Sox fans. The league enacted a lockout on Dec. 2 upon the expiration of the 2016 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). No major-league transactions could be made from Dec. 2 until the lockout ended on March 10.

It was a quiet few months for the Red Sox even before and after the lockout. They finally broke their silence with the signing of shortstop Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million contract. The deal remains the largest handed out to a free agent during Chaim Bloom's tenure. Here were a couple of notable takes from our Red Sox insider John Tomase shortly after the signing was announced:

John Tomase, March 20: With Trevor Story signing, the Red Sox are back to spending money

John Tomase, March 21: What does Trevor Story signing mean for Xander Bogaerts?

What does Trevor Story signing mean for Xander Bogaerts?

Less than a month after the addition of Story, it was revealed Bogaerts and the Red Sox were never close in contract extension negotiations during the offseason. A visibly upset Bogaerts spoke to reporters stating "they offered, but it didn't work out." At that point, it was starting to become clear that Story could wind up being Bogaerts' replacement.

John Tomase, April 14: "Let's just save everyone a lot of trouble between now and November: Xander Bogaerts is gone."

John Tomase, Lou Merloni, April 18: Sox offer to Bogaerts 'insane", "pointless'

The Bogaerts drama brought a negative vibe into the 2022 Red Sox season, but it wasn't the only downer ...

Part II: The Chris Sale saga continues

Red Sox fans looked forward to seeing their ace Chris Sale return to the rotation for a full season. But in late February, their hopes were dashed.

Sale's 2022 debut was delayed as he suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage during the lockout. Our John Tomase reacted to the news by stating Sale's injury "has the 2022 season already feeling like it's not meant to be." That was before it was announced he was placed on the 60-day injured list due to a setback.

Or is it the fact that you're always injured, have only made nine starts since August of 2019, and are now assaulting an inanimate object like an outtake from "Walker, Texas Ranger," even though your team desperately needs you and you're finally on the cusp of a return?"

John Tomase, June 15: "It's always going to be something with Chris Sale."

John Tomase, July 6: "How can you be confident Chris Sale will have an impact?"

Chris Sale injury history: A timeline of pitcher's Red Sox tenure

Sale underwent season-ending wrist surgery in early August. The bizarre injury occurred after he crashed his bicycle. Tomase reacted to the news by stating if Sale really believes he hasn't earned his money with the Red Sox, he can prove it by opting out of his contract. Unsurprisingly, he opted in.

Part III: A disappointing trade deadline

With a 50-52 record before the 2022 trade deadline, the Red Sox still had an outside chance at earning a wild card spot. Opinions on whether they should be buyers or sellers were mixed. Xander Bogaerts said about two weeks before the deadline, "I feel like we should get some help."

The front office responded by trading 2018 World Series champion Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros, a move Bogaerts openly criticized. Boston also acquired veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer, catcher Reese McGuire, and outfielder Tommy Pham.

Part IV: Prospect showcase

Earlier in July, top pitching prospect Brayan Bello made his MLB debut. The right-hander struggled to start his big-league career but after a couple of months, he showed why he's considered one of the most exciting Red Sox pitching prospects since Clay Buchholz.

Here's what Tomase wrote about Bello on Sept. 15:

Meanwhile, as the Red Sox limped to a last-place finish in the American League East, Triston Casas' September call-up gave fans something to look forward to. The slugging first base prospect tallied his first MLB hit in his Sept. 4 debut. He belted his first career homer two days later.

John Tomase, Sept. 4: "Casas, quite simply, cannot miss. The Red Sox desperately need production from their farm system, especially considering how many holes they'll have to fill this winter. Every legitimate internal solution they find is another $8-$10 million they can conceivably spend in free agency.

Part V: Goodbye Bogaerts. Is Devers next?

Understandably, there wasn't a whole lot of optimism permeating through Boston heading into the 2022-23 MLB offseason. Several key players hit free agency, most notably Xander Bogaerts, leaving gaping holes throughout the roster. Tomase tabbed it a "make-or-break" offseason for Bloom.

John Tomase: This is a 'make-or-break' offseason for Chaim Bloom

Bloom started the offseason by stating that re-signing Bogaerts was the team's top priority. One month later, the four-time All-Star inked an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres.

John Tomase, Dec. 8: "Early Thursday morning, the Red Sox didn't just lose All-Star Xander Bogaerts. They watched their heart and soul -- a man who wanted to spend his entire career in Boston until the Red Sox repeatedly dared him to do otherwise -- sign a massive $280 million contract with the Padres.

Lou Merloni: I'd be worried about Rafael Devers being traded

A Devers extension would be the ideal way for Boston to begin the new year. But if the last 12 months are any indication of what's to come, Sox fans shouldn't get their hopes up. Another long 12 months could be on the way.

John Tomase, Dec. 22: "This is the vortex they are spinning into, it is an abyss, and I don't know what is on the other side of it."