The 2025 season is in its final legs. While the Boston Red Sox are still very much in the playoff hunt, it doesn't seem like they have the right squad to go for a deep run (but anything can happen).
The offseason is right around the corner, and that only leaves a few months until spring training 2026. Boston's Wild Card loss to the Yankees exposed many weaknesses in the lineup that need fixing.
The Red Sox's future is bright. The roster is full of young, controllable talent that will continue to grow with each other. Fans have a lot to dream about in the future, and that will start again in 2026. A good portion of next season's roster is already accounted for, but that doesn't mean the Sox won't be busy this offseason trying to upgrade. Here is what the lineup could look like on Opening Day 2026.
Way-too-early Red Sox starting lineup for Opening Day 2026
C - Carlos Narváez
The rookie earned the right to be the Opening Day catcher for next season. While his offensive numbers faded a bit in the second half before his injury gave him some time to rest, 2025 is a great building block. The pitching staff raved about him all season; his defensive prowess showed night in and night out, and he has the bat to be a productive hitter every game he's in.
1B - Pete Alonso
It feels like the Red Sox are going to make another splash this offseason. While Alex Cora has hinted at wanting Kyle Schwarber, the Sox are already very left-handed heavy. The Sox need another impact bat after the way they struggled in the wake of Roman Anthony's injury, and adding a masher like Alonso into the middle of the lineup would be like a shot of espresso. Signing Alonso would also allow Triston Casas to take his time coming back, and then one of them could move to DH after his return. The Polar Bear will need to opt out of his contract this offseason for this to happen, though, and he'd come with quite a price tag.
2B - Marcelo Mayer
While Mayer's bat looked like it needed some more refining in his stint before his injury, the defense was Gold Glove-caliber. In just 57 innings at second base, he was a plus defender by Outs Above Average. Though he is naturally a shortstop, with Trevor Story sticking around, the Sox are going to want to find him a spot on the roster, and second base feels like the right choice.
SS - Trevor Story
Story has an opt-out in his contract this offseason. Analysts are mixed on whether he'll use it because of this year's weak free agent class, but he likely won't be able to $50 million, his salary with the Red Sox, over two years on the open market because of all his injuries. He also seems to love it in Boston, and being here gives him a high chance to win a ring.
3B - Alex Bregman
The rumor mill swirling around Bregman says he is opting out of the contract he signed last offseason. That doesn't mean he won't come back to the Red Sox. He loves Boston, he fits perfectly in the clubhouse, and his swing is built for Fenway Park. While he will dip his toes into free agency, a reunion between him and the Sox feels too perfect.
LF - Jarren Duran
While 2025 hasn't been nearly as good as 2024 was, Duran has still had a major impact on this team. There is a chance they trade him this offseason to help clear the outfield logjam, but he seems like Cora's guy, and nobody else on the team provides what he does. He may not be the face of the team to the rest of the league, but he is a face of the team for Red Sox fans, and his presence next season feels very likely.
CF - Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela isn't going anywhere for a long time. He is locked under contract through at least 2031, and while headed into the year, the contract looked questionable, it definitely does not anymore. His defense in center field has been just as good as ever, and the bat took the step up everybody hoped it would. While he might never win a Silver Slugger, an OPS near .700 is all he'll need to stay as Boston's everyday centerfielder through the length of the contract, especially with his flair for the big moment.
RF - Roman Anthony
While it seemed like Anthony was destined to be the Red Sox's next great left fielder, his play out in the cavernous Fenway right field may have earned him that spot permanently. He was worth four Outs Above Average out there in less than 300 innings; Wilyer Abreu was worth nine in a little over 900. Cora is going to get Anthony's bat in the lineup anyway he can, but his playing right field to start next season feels like a lock.
DH - Romy Gonzalez
Gonzalez is more of a placeholder here than anything. This will likely be Casas' spot once he returns from injury, allowing him to reacclimate to the majors, but until he returns, Gonzalez should get this spot. He showed in 2025 that he not only still mashes lefties, but can also put in a quality at bat against righties, too. Getting him as many at-bats as possible next season should be a must.
SP - Garrett Crochet
This is a no-brainer — of course Crochet will be getting the ball on Opening Day 2026. There isn't another pitcher on the planet that would be on the mound, because Crochet is a Cy Young contender who's already pitching in Boston. It would be disrespectful to give anyone else the ball, no matter who they bring in.
Fans may wonder where Wilyer Abreu is. The Red Sox need to clear their outfield logjam; they currently have four starting-caliber outfielders on the roster, who all should be everyday players. One will likely be traded, and Abreu feels like the most likely. While his value will certainly be down following all the time he missed this season, he has immense upside and lots of control left. Trading him for another top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher makes a lot of sense. The other option would be Duran, but Cora loves Duran, and he brings speed and leadership that Abreu doesn't.