Get ready for an exciting baseball season with the Boston Red Sox! Manager Alex Cora has some big decisions to make, and he's already got one spot locked down. But here's where it gets interesting...
The Red Sox Roster: A Work in Progress
While the 2026 season is still in the early stages of preparation, Alex Cora has already made a crucial lineup decision. He's confident that Willson Contreras, the team's newest acquisition, will be the cleanup hitter. But when it comes to the leadoff spot, Cora is taking a more cautious approach.
Contreras, an impactful addition to the team's position players, is expected to be the everyday first baseman. Cora praised his ability to hit the ball hard and drive it to right-center, with an added bonus of pulling the ball more last year, which could be a game-changer for the Sox.
But the leadoff position is still up for grabs. Cora has a few options, including Roman Anthony, who excelled in that role last season, and Jarren Duran, who filled in when Anthony was unavailable. Both players are still in the running, but Cora admits he's not quite ready to make a final call.
"I'm not there yet, to be honest," Cora said. "Usually by now, I have a pretty good idea, but this time, I'm still figuring it out. We need to see how the roster shapes up. There are a few positions where we'll have some competition, and that will influence our decision."
Cora's uncertainty about the leadoff spot is a rare occurrence for him. He usually has a clear vision for the team's lineup, but this season, he's taking a more flexible approach.
"For the first time in years, I don't know how we're going to do it," he added.
While Cora doesn't see any other leadoff candidates on the current roster, he's focused on creating a balanced lineup that alternates left-handed and right-handed hitters. He believes the team still leans left-handed, but they need to find that perfect balance to ensure they can score runs consistently.
"We just need to create that balance, whether through trades, free agency, or developing our own players. We'll see where we stand when we get to Fort Myers," Cora concluded.
So, Red Sox fans, who do you think will take the leadoff spot? And is Cora making the right move by prioritizing a balanced lineup? Let's discuss in the comments! This is a crucial decision that could shape the team's success in the upcoming season.
