Why the Red Sox Will Benefit From Delayed Opening Day

The Boston Red Sox were ready to start anew without Mookie Betts this April, but life had other plans. MLB Spring Training Games, and Opening Day for that matter, have been delayed until further notice. With Opening Day potentially months away, fans have every right to be disappointed, yet understanding as we fight a global health crisis.

Yet, we're here to provide a silver lining. Despite the potential for regular season MLB games to not begin until Memorial Day, the Sox could actually benefit from such a delay.

For one, the Red Sox ace and perhaps most important player is currently on the mend. Chris Sale's recovery plan could see him miss more than half the season. While the rest of the MLB community is in quarantine or home with their families, Sale gets to recover. That recovery time won't dramatically improve, but it does mean Sale won't miss as many regular season starts, something that should help Boston if they're in contention later this season and their stud LHP can make his return.

A secondary argument can be made that the Sox's two new acquisitions, Alex Verdugo and Jeter Downs, get to settle into their roles as key figures in Boston's future. Rather than applying pressure immediately on Opening Day, Verdugo and Downs can take extra time to prepare -- likely on their own -- for the momentous season to come.

Lastly, Boston's punishment from the MLB sign-stealing investigation ought to be revealed by Memorial Day or even sooner, meaning they won't have that cloud hanging over their heads entering the regular season. It's not a massive win, as the organization will likely be punished to some extent, but it does provide a semblance of hope for a franchise that could use it.