The Worcester Red Sox started the 2025 roster with ridiculous star power thanks to the likes of Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. What’s in store for 2026?
We’re going to try to project the Opening Day roster for the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate and make some predictions along the way.
Worcester Red Sox 2026 roster projections and predictions
Catchers: Jason Delay and Matt Thaiss
Jason Delay and Matt Thaiss are veteran catchers with major league experience. That makes them perfect Triple-A depth pieces. The Red Sox shouldn’t be too worried if either is needed in the majors. Meanwhile, they’ll be great for the development of the young pitchers.
First Base: Nathan Hickey and Mickey Gasper
Mickey Gasper is the likely candidate the Red Sox would call up if they needed a first baseman in a pinch. However, we could see more of Nathan Hickey, at least until Triston Casas is healthy and working his way back via Worcester.
Casas won't be ready by Opening Day and he'll need a full rehab assignment after his recovery, so expect to see Hickey getting plenty of run at first base. He looked solid there last season and has plenty of pop. Gasper can move around the field a bit and play first when Hickey is DHing.
Second base: Mikey Romero
I hope the Red Sox stick Romero at second base permanently. He’s a solid fielder at third base and shortstop, but his value is best at second base, especially if they are done with Kristian Campbell at the position (which doesn't seem to be a sure thing yet).
Here’s the first bold prediction: Romero hits 25+ home runs if he stays in Triple-A all season. That power is legit.
Third base: Nick Sogard
Sogard will probably move around a bit between the minors and big leagues, but he’ll be the main third baseman with Romero holding down second base. Sogard gives them good lineup versatility thanks to his switch-hitting. He’ll get on base, won’t strike out too much, and swipe some bags.
Shortstop: Tsung-Che Cheng
Tsung-Che Cheng was a sneaky good addition by the Red Sox this offseason. His defense got him to the majors before his bat was ready. However, Cheng being major league depth is fantastic. Worst-case scenario, he’s holding down shortstop phenomenally.
Outfield: Kristian Campbell, Allan Castro, Braiden Ward, Corey Rosier, Phillip Sikes
Kristian Campbell needs every day at-bats, and the Red Sox should stick him to one position instead of moving him all around. I still believe Campbell can be a second baseman, but it seems like Boston’s putting him in the outfield.
Braiden Ward can move around the diamond, but his main position will probably be outfield. My next prediction is that Ward will challenge David Hamilton’s 70 steal mark from a few seasons ago.
Allan Castro should start the year in Triple-A and could build off a strong spring. The switch-hitter should get regular playing time. Another bold prediction, we might see a career-high in home runs from Castro (current high is 15 in 2024).
Corey Rosier and Phillip Sikes are good bench bats. Both are solid defenders. Rosier will swipe more bags, but Sikes has sneaky power.
UTIL: Matt Lloyd, Nate Eaton, Tyler McDonough, Vinny Capra
The final MLB roster spot is likely up to Nate Eaton and Andruw Monasterio. Both have played well enough to earn it. It’s looking like Monasterio will get the nod, but that doesn’t mean Eaton couldn't keep up. There’s just not enough room for everyone.
Matt Lloyd can play the outfield and first base, and should hit some moonbombs. Vinny Capra can plug in just about anywhere. Monasterio can move around and has proven himself in the majors. Tyler McDonough is extremely underrated, a solid defender (fantastic in the outfield) who plays a ton of positions, and a switch-hitter who can get on base.
Starting pitchers: Payton Tolle (LHP), Connelly Early (LHP), Tyler Uberstine (RHP), TJ Sikkema (LHP), Alec Gamboa (LHP)
Connelly Early could still make the major league roster, but I think the Red Sox will stick with Johan Oviedo and let Early work a bit more in Worcester.
Payton Tolle is going to dominate. That’s my prediction for this group. It’s going to be ridiculous, and fans are going to want him back up quickly, but I think the Red Sox want him to work on a few things in the minor leagues.
Tyler Uberstine is awesome and will be a good spot-start option if needed during the season.
Relief pitchers: Jeremy Wu-Yelland (LHP), Tyler Samaniego (LHP), Jack Anderson (RHP), Tommy Kahnle (RHP), Noah Song (RHP), Tayron Guerrero (RHP), Seth Martinez (RHP), Devin Sweet (RHP), Wyatt Olds (RHP)
There’s not always a designated closer in the minor leagues. The Red Sox should get Jeremy Wu-Yelland in as many high-pressure situations as possible, though. I’m about as high on him as you can possibly be.
Tyler Samaniego was a good pickup and could’ve made Boston’s opening day roster if it wasn’t for the recent Danny Coulombe signing.
Jack Anderson got some buzz thanks to his work in the WBC for Great Britain, Seth Martinez is a good veteran piece, Devin Sweet and Tayron Guerrero are intriguing, and Wyatt Olds has nasty stuff. Noah Song’s been talked about for years, so there’s not much else to say. The Red Sox also recently signed Tommy Kahnle, who may start the year in Triple-A because he didn't have a traditional spring training. If they can get him back in 2023-24 form, that’s a huge addition.