Despite the preseason expectations, the 2025 season has not been kind to the Boston Red Sox. While the season is far from over, Boston must turn things around quickly if it wishes to make the postseason and maybe make a run for the American League East crown.
If the Red Sox are serious about turning their fortunes around and making a run to the playoffs, this is the lineup they should turn to to save their season.
Building the perfect Red Sox lineup to save the 2025 season
1. Jarren Duran, LF
Despite his slow start and being the subject of many trade rumors, Jarren Duran has proven to be a significant cog in the Red Sox machine. When he gets going, Duran is easily one of the most dynamic players in the game, and with a good glove in left field, he'll be paramount if the Red Sox want to get things going.
2. Rafael Devers, DH
Even with the drama surrounding first base, Rafael Devers has been on a tear in 2025. The first-time DH has put on a clinic this season, holding a 152 wRC+ and OPS+ and leading all MLB in RBI (54), easily being the Red Sox's best offensive player this season. Like Duran, Devers will be a major factor in bringing postseason baseball back to Fenway.
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
Easily one of the best offseason signings, Alex Bregman has once again established himself as one of the game's best third basemen. Before going down with a strained calf, Bregman was right with Devers as the team's best offensive producer. His 158 wRC+ and OPS+ lead the team, and his absence among Boston's poor run of form gives credence to his impact. Luckily for Red Sox fans, Bregman's rehab has been going well, meaning his return should come sooner rather than later.
4. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B
Since Triston Casas' season-ending knee injury, Abraham Toro has done a solid job manning first, with the long-time journeyman currently holding a 145 OPS+. However, if the Red Sox want to push the envelope when it comes to making the playoffs, it would be in their best interest to go after a player with more offensive firepower. Ryan O'Hearn of the Baltimore Orioles is a perfect fit. A popular trade target among Red Sox fans, O'Hearn's 155 OPS+ would be a great spark plug to the lineup.
5. Wilyer Abreu, RF
After a Gold Glove-winning rookie season, Wilyer Abreu has continued right where he left off in 2025. Currently holding a 118 OPS+ with 13 home runs, Abreu has proven to be a key piece for the Red Sox, and with his elite defense in right, it is a no-brainer that he should be featured in Boston's lineup on a nightly basis.
6. Carlos Narváez, C
Carlos Narváez has been Boston's biggest surprise this season and a welcome revelation. Through his elite defensive play and production at the plate, the 26-year-old has quickly become the team's primary catcher. With his 126 OPS+, Narváez has become one of the game's best, cementing himself a place in Boston's lineup.
7. Roman Anthony, CF
One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season, the Red Sox' number one prospect has been killing it in Triple-A Worcester, holding a 907. OPS has nine home runs, leading many to wonder why he has yet to be called up. Easily one of the best hitters in Boston's organization, the 21-year-old should have been with the big league club weeks ago.
8. Marcelo Mayer, SS
Since his call-up in late May, Mayer has steadily improved against big league pitching, culminating in his first Red Sox home run against the Yankees on June 6th. Additionally, with Trevor Story's offensive struggles in 2025, Mayer should be Boston's everyday shortstop moving forward.
9. Ceddanne Rafaela/Kristian Campbell, 2B
With Ceddanne Rafalea and Kristian Campbell's struggles this season, it would make sense to platoon them at second base, with the possibility of starting Campbell against righties.