Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran and Willson Contreras anchor a group built to finally compete in a real way.
The version of the Red Sox that will take the field on Opening Day doesn’t just look different.
It feels intentional.
After an offseason that forced Craig Breslow to walk a tightrope between long-term vision and immediate pressure, Boston arrives in 2026 with a roster that blends upside, star power, and just enough unpredictability to make things interesting.
And it starts with the (projected) lineup:
1. Roman Anthony, DH
2. Trevor Story, SS
3. Jarren Duran, LF
4. Willson Contreras, 1B
5. Wilyer Abreu, RF
6. Caleb Durbin, 3B
7. Marcelo Mayer, 2B
8. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
9. Carlos Narvaez, C
Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; United States left fielder Roman Anthony (3) hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Dominican Republic during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)At the center of everything is Roman Anthony - no longer just the future, but very much the present.
His rise has reshaped the identity of the offense, and he’s flanked by a group that, on paper, has far more balance than a year ago.
Jarren Duran brings speed and pressure at the top, while Wilyer Abreu and Masataka Yoshida give Boston multiple left-handed looks with impact potential.
Then there’s Willson Contreras - the offseason addition tasked with anchoring the middle of the order. His presence doesn’t just lengthen the lineup, it changes how opposing pitchers have to navigate it.
Behind them, the infield tells a similar story.
Marcelo Mayer stepping into an everyday role at second base signals a shift toward youth, while Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin round out a group that mixes experience with opportunity. It’s not a finished product, but it doesn’t have to be. Not yet.
On the mound, the blueprint is clearer.
Here’s how the starting rotation will look to open the season:
1. Garrett Crochet, LHP
2. Sonny Gray, RHP
3. Connelly Early, LHP
4. Brayan Bello, RHP
5. Ranger Suarez, LHP
Feb 26, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. (Jim Rassol/Imagn Images)Garrett Crochet headlines a rotation that, for the first time in a few seasons, looks both deep and defined. Veteran additions Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez bring stability, while Brayan Bello and Connelly Early offer a mix of upside and momentum.
It’s not perfect. It’s not fully proven.
But it is, undeniably, more complete.
That leaves the final piece - and maybe the most important one - with Alex Cora. Because this version of the Red Sox isn’t about one superstar carrying the load.
It’s about fit, flexibility, and finding the right combinations over 162 games.
The pieces are finally in place.
Now comes the part that matters:
Making them work.
Feb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.