Red Sox Opening Day outfield
- Wilyer Abreu (LF)
- Jarren Duran (CF)
- Tyler O'Neill (RF)
- Masataka Yoshida (LF/DH)
- Rob Refsnyder (OF)
The Sox acquired O'Neill this offseason to fill Alex Verdugo's former spot in right field. Duran is a given in center as long as he isn't traded, and Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said he was excited to see Wilyer Abreu get 400 at-bats this season, implying he'll be an everyday player.
Cora recently mentioned that the majority of Yoshida's at-bats will come as the designated hitter, which will go a long way towards keeping him fresh. Refsnyder has been a staple as a backup outfielder for a few seasons and the Sox likely have no plans to deviate from him.
Notable Red Sox starting the season in the minor leagues
- Ceddanne Rafaela (OF)
- Romy González (INF)
- Enmanuel Valdez (INF)
- David Hamilton (INF)
- Justin Slaten (RHP)
- Cooper Criswell (RHP)
Cora has voiced his praise for outfield prospect Rafaela. The skipper said Rafaela will be the Sox's starting center fielder if he makes the team, but his bat is underdeveloped. The outfielder needs to see more minor-league at-bats before he's ready to take on a starting role with Boston.
González, Valdez and Hamilton are all solid backup options in the event of an injury in the infield. Slaten has been turning heads this spring training and he may be able to make enough of an impression to be called up later in the season.
That rounds out the situation for the first roster projection. With about a month until Opening Day, things can change, so stay tuned for any developments.