The Red Sox enter the 2026 season coming off an 89 win campaign in 2025. Boston will have a transformed identity this season as they are now a team built on an elite starting rotation accompanied by their younger prospects who are now ready for prime time.
While the losses of Rafael Devers, via trade, and short-term star Alex Bregman, via free agency, leaves a massive void in the heart of the order, the front office has pivoted toward a run prevention first philosophy.
Lineup:
The youth movement has arrived at Fenway Park. With the Devers era over, the keys to the offense have been handed over to the Red Sox top ranked farm system. Roman Anthony, the consensus #1 prospect in baseball, starts his first full season as the lead-off hitter after a late season debut in 2025 that saw him post an .859 OPS leading to sky high expectations. Marcelo Mayer is finally healthy and slated to take over the infield alongside Trevor Story.
A massive trade with Milwaukee brought in Caleb Durbin who is likely to handle third base duties. Jaren Duran is shifting to DH/OF to manage his workload, however his speed remains elite on the base paths. The trade for Willson Contreras provides the veteran grit and power hitting experience the lineup desperately needs after losing its primary run producers.
Rotation:
After years of searching for a true ace, the Red Sox now have one in Garrett Crochet, who is coming off of monster 2025 where he led MLB in strikeouts. To support him the front office acquired Sonny Gray via trade & Ranger Suárez via free agency. This trio gives Boston one of the most formidable 1-2-3 punches in the American League. Brayan Bello slides in as the #4 starter hoping to build on a break out 2025 in which he posted a 3.35 ERA. The fifth spot is expected to be reserved for Johan Oviedo (acquired from Pittsburgh).
Bullpen:
The back end of a bullpen is arguably Boston’s greatest strength. Aroldis Chapman return on a one year deal to close games after a dominant 2025 and Garrett Whitlock has moved into the full-time set up role. After a rocky 2025, Justin Slaten is expected to be the primary arm for the 6th and 7th Greg Weiser is considered a “sweeper” specialist and has become a reliable middle relief option against right-handed heavy lineups.
Projected Lineup
- Roman Anthony – LF
- Trevor Story – SS
- Jarren Duran – DH
- Willson Contreras – 1B
- Wilyer Abreu – RF
- Marcelo Mayer – 2B
- Caleb Durbin – 3B
- Carlos Narvaez – C
- Ceddane Rafaela – CF
Projected Rotation
- Garrett Crochet
- Sonny Gray
- Ranger Suarez
- Brayan Bello
- Johan Oviedo
Projected Bullpen
Aroldis Chapman - Closer
Garrett Whitlock - Setup
Justin Slaten
Greg Weissert
Jovani Moran
Tyler Samaniego
Manager: Alex Cora (8th season)
Projection: 86-76 (3rd in the AL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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