The Boston Red Sox took a giant step forward last year by qualifying for the first time since 2021 for playoff baseball.
Playing in the toughest division in baseball, the Red Sox last season found themselves in a three-way battle with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East division title.
During the 2025 regular season, which saw Boston occupy first place for 10 days, they played inconsistently defensively, leading the league in errors and unearned runs surrendered.
Heading into the 2026 season, a big question is whether Red Sox hulking first baseman Triston Casas can rebound from a nightmare season which last year saw him get off to a disastrous start before badly injuring his left knee during a May 2nd game when he was running to first base trying to beat out a grounder.
Casas, projected to be a power bat who could hit 30-40 home runs, was at the time hitting only .182 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 112 at-bats.
After missing the rest of the season, Casas is currently still rehabbing but will in fact be back sometime this year. The million dollar question is whether he can live up to those expectations of consistency and providing that thunder in the line up.
2026 Boston Red Sox O/U – They Will Hit the Over (87.5)
Last season, the Red Sox finished with an 89-73 record, five games behind the AL East Division Champions, the Blue Jays.
However, Boston did earn an AL Wild Card spot and ended up losing the series in a third and deciding game against the Yankees.
Boston had a dangerous offence as they finished the 2025 season with 786 runs, 1,414 hits, 186 home runs, 748 RBIs and 139 stolen bases.
Playing a huge role in the team’s offence and will be counted on heavily again this year is shortstop/second baseman Trevor Story, who bounced back from an injury plagued 2024 season in having a solid 2025 campaign which saw him produce 161 hits, 29 doubles, 25 home runs and 96 RBIs.
Unfortunately Story has had his fair share of injuries which has kept the veteran out for an extended period of time since signing in March 2022, a six-year contract worth $140 million.
The Red Sox offence also features such big boppers as outfielders Jarren Duran (16 home runs, 84 RBIs), Wilyer Abreau (22 home runs, 69 RBIs), Ceddanne Rafaela (16 home runs, 63 RBIs) and catcher Carlos Narvaez (15 home runs, 50 RBIs)
Once again, leading the pitching staff will be ace Garrett Crochet, who in 2025 anchored the staff by going 18-5 with a 2.05 GAA and 255 strikeouts in 205.1 innings.
A big reason why the Red Sox will finish with over 87.5 wins is their pitching staff. This past winter the Red Sox were active in building a strong rotation as they brought to Boston such valuable arms as Ranger Suarez (12-8 last year) and Sonny Gray (14-8) to name a couple.
If Story remains injury free and if ageless stopper Aroldis Chapman can have another standout season, then the Red Sox should win about 91 games and finish second behind the Blue Jays in the division.
Will Outfielder Roman Anthony Take That Next Big Step?
There is a lot of excitement about what Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony will do this season.
Last year, Anthony displayed his power, ability to make contact and driving in runs as he produced in only 71 games, 75 hits, 8 home runs, 32 RBIs and a more than respectable .292 batting average.
Anthony, who didn’t play the entire season due to a left oblique strain, definitely made an impression around the MLB as he placed third in MLB Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the 2025 All-Rookie Team.
A big moment for Anthony came on August 6, 2025, when the Red Sox organization showed their commitment by signing him to an eight-year $130 million extension.
“I couldn’t think of a better city to play in (for) the next eight to nine years of my life,” the former number 1 prospect said. “And I’m super excited. I want to thank all the fans who show up every day and continue to support us regardless of the outcome. It’s really just a special place to play and a special place to show up every single day. I couldn’t be more excited for this and couldn’t be more thankful for everyone in this room and everyone who’s helped me get here today.”
During last month’s 2026 World Baseball Classic, Anthony’s finest hour came when he hit a home run in the United States 2-1 semi finals win against the favored Dominican Republic. Anthony hit a respectable .280 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s.
Red Sox fans have reason to be extremely excited about this 21 year-old who has been looked upon as a future star.
Red Sox Trade For Slugger Willson Contreras
Back on December 21st 2025, Willson Contreras was involved in a multi-player deal which saw the 33 year-old first baseman/catcher sent from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Red Sox.
Coming off a season which saw Contreras hit 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, 126 hits while scoring 70 runs, this veteran will provide the necessary power in Boston’s line-up.
This three-time All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022) who helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series is off this year to a bit of a slow start which in the first week has seen Contreras bat for a .174 average with one home run and one RBI.
Besides power, Contreras also provides Boston with strong defence, grit and energy.
Synopsis
Red Sox fans will once again this summer see their beloved team in a pennant race. They will see tremendous growth from Anthony and another big season from Duran but despite having an improved starting rotation, will finish behind the defending AL East Division Champions Blue Jays.
Main Image: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
