Boston Red Sox 2026 Preview: Strong Pitching Depth and Young Hitting Stars Make Team a Contender
The Boston Red Sox could be limited in 2026 by injury or the difficult American League East. However, they have a strong and well-balanced roster. They should compete for a division crown and a playoff spot.
The Boston Red Sox have star power in starting pitcher Garrett Crochet and closer Arlodis Chapman. They have young hitting stars in Roman Anthony, Marcelo Meyer, and Kristan Campbell. How many games do you think the Boston Red Sox will win this year?
Boston Red Sox Pitching
The starting pitching rotation for the Boston Red Sox is strong and only got stronger through free agency. The Red Sox starting rotation is led by one of the best pitchers in baseball, Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox added both Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez to the rotation. Brayan Bello is the fourth starting pitcher, and a host of youngsters could compete for the fifth spot, including Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Connor Early.
The bullpen is also strong. The strength begins with closer Aroldis Chapman. He will be set up by Garrett Whitlock, who will pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Jordan Hicks looks to regain his triple-digit velocity. Justin Slaten is also a high-quality setup man. Greg Wisert has been effective. Zach Kelly and Jovani Moran round out the bullpen, though any of the candidates for the fifth starter role may end up out there.
Boston Red Sox Hitting
Boston will also be a good hitting and fielding team. Their strength will be their outfield, which goes four deep. Roman Anthony is set for a monster season. He is joined by Jarren Duran, slick-fielding Ceddane Rafalea, and Wilmer Abreau. All of them can hit, and all of them can field. Expect the Designated Hitter to come from this bunch.
The infield is not as settled. Trevor Story was excellent last season and will be the shortstop. The Boston Red Sox signed Wilson Contreras to play first base. The presumptive second baseman is Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Though Romy Gonzalez could get time there, as could prospect Kristain Campbell. Third base is likely the newly-acquired Chad Durbin, though prospect Marcelo Meyer is also in the mix there.
The catcher is Carlos Narevez. He won his job from Connor Wong in the middle of the 2025 season and did not look back. He is an average defender, but a strong hitter. In 403 at-bats last season, he hit 15 home runs and produced a 2.7 Wins Above Replacement. He will lengthen the Red Sox lineup, and Wong will spell him.
Organization and Management
The Organization is in good shape. It has consistently produced stars and is still deep and talented. Alex Cora, recently extended through 2027, is one of the best managers in baseball. He is tasked with finding playing time for all of these young stars and with keeping the injury-prone pitching on the field.
Craig Breslow, the Chief of Baseball Operations, made a couple of big free agent signings, but now needs these guys to perform on the field. Expect Breslow to have to make difficult decisions about whom to keep and whom to (potentially) trade as there are logjams at several positions.
Parting Shots
Though the Boston Red Sox exist in the difficult American League East, they are deep enough to compete this year. Last season, they made the playoffs and, on paper, look like a playoff team this season as well. To achieve their potential, like all other teams, they require health.
