3 players who could break out for the Red Sox in 2026

It’s the offseason, and the Hot Stove is starting to simmer. Some deals are starting to fall into place as teams are getting their ducks in a row to ramp up for a busy winter. The Boston Red Sox are once again projected to be one of the busiest teams. 

Just like last year, Boston is looking to plug holes with big shoes. But just because the Sox may be splashing some cash in free agency and potentially make some blockbuster trades, doesn’t mean they won’t look at internal options to step up. 

Last offseason, the Red Sox front office had some players tabbed in spring training after breakout 2023 campaigns, à la Kristian Campbell. Some players made strides during the season to make big league debuts like Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. The front office won’t factor in potential breakouts this offseason, but having an idea of who may be primed to take a leap can help the team feel more secure in its depth and who may factor in during the season. 

3 players who could break out for the Red Sox in 2026

Marcelo Mayer

The former fourth overall pick made his long-awaited big league debut last season. His defense at third base, shortstop and second base looked to be Gold Glove-caliber, but he struggled at the plate, hitting .228 with a .674 OPS. He really struggled against lefties with only four hits in 27 plate appearances. Once again, an injury cut his season short. 

Despite the injury concerns, Mayer is still one of the highest-rated young players in the system (he lost prospect status this season) and will be given plenty of playing time. He may start the season in Triple-A, depending on whether they fill the infield this offseason, but after being able to see major league pitching for the first time, he now gets an entire offseason to prepare for it.

Kyle Harrison

The headlining player from the Rafael Devers trade didn’t quite live up to expectations in 2025. Despite having major league experience with San Francisco, the Sox sent him to Worcester to work on his arsenal. It took him until September to make his Red Sox debut, where he flashed solid stuff in his three appearances, but he seems like an afterthought for the 2026 Red Sox rotation.

Harrison, like Mayer, has a top prospect pedigree that had him ranked in MLB Pipeline's top 20 before 2023. The Red Sox wanted him for a reason, and this offseason is his chance to prove himself. The organization’s pitching development program has seen many players take leaps over the offseason, and now the southpaw is getting his first chance in it. Don’t be surprised if the 24-year-old takes a big stride forward this offseason, and he is a key contributor in 2026. 

Nate Eaton

Eaton was a surprise contributor to the 2025 Red Sox. After signing as a minor league free agent last offseason, the righty ended up playing 41 games in Boston, getting 90 plate appearances. Eaton showed that he can be another super utilityman at Alex Cora’s disposal, seeing time at all three outfield positions and third. 

If the Sox decide not to bring back Rob Refsnyder, Eaton could slide into the right-handed outfield platoon bat role. This front office took a shot on Romy Gonzalez two offseasons ago, and look how it panned out. If Eaton is given his shot next season to be on the roster full-time, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he makes an impact.