Spring training is just kicking off, but Alex Cora’s already thinking ahead - way ahead. With Opening Day still weeks away and the Red Sox just days from their first Grapefruit League game, the Boston skipper is already sketching out how his lineup might look when they take the field against the Cincinnati Reds on March 26. And while some familiar faces are likely to return to their usual spots, a few new names are poised to shake things up.
Let’s start at the top. Roman Anthony, the 21-year-old outfielder who turned heads last season, is a strong candidate to lead off again - and it’s easy to see why.
In 31 games batting first, Anthony slashed .336/.439/.564 with a 1.003 OPS. That’s not just solid - that’s table-setting with authority.
Cora praised Anthony’s approach in his spring training press conference, saying, “He was amazing for us, leading off… That means he's gonna get the most at-bats out of anybody, he's that type of hitter.” Translation: Anthony’s bat gets the Red Sox rolling, and Cora knows it.
But Anthony won’t be alone at the top. Trevor Story, finally healthy and productive after injury-plagued seasons, is also in the mix.
Last year, he played his first full campaign in Boston and didn’t just stay on the field - he thrived, leading the team with 25 home runs. That kind of power, paired with his veteran presence, has earned him a spot near the top of the order.
Cora made it clear: Story’s earned that right.
Then there’s Jarren Duran, a dynamic speedster who can change a game with his legs. If he can bounce back to his 2024 form, he gives the top of the lineup a different kind of threat - one that can turn singles into doubles and make infield grounders a footrace. That kind of pressure on opposing defenses is invaluable, especially in a lineup that’s looking to lengthen out its production.
And speaking of production, Willson Contreras is already penciled in as a key bat in the heart of the order. Acquired from the Cardinals this offseason, Contreras brings a steady bat and legitimate pop - and Cora hasn’t wasted any time signaling how he plans to use him. Contreras is a natural fit in the cleanup spot, giving the Red Sox a reliable run producer behind their on-base threats.
One of the more intriguing additions this spring is Caleb Durbin, a young infielder who’s expected to be in the lineup every day. While he’s still developing and doesn’t bring much power to the plate, he’s a grinder - the kind of player who fits well in the six-hole, where he can extend innings and keep the pressure on pitchers. Cora sees him as a work in progress, but one who’s already earned a shot at consistent playing time.
Of course, there are still plenty of puzzle pieces to place. Carlos Narváez, Marcelo Mayer, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu are all in the mix for roster spots and lineup roles.
With spring training just getting underway, there’s time for battles to play out and for injuries - the unwelcome wildcard - to shape decisions. But one thing is clear: Boston’s depth gives them options, and Cora’s already laying the groundwork for a lineup that could be both balanced and dangerous.
The Red Sox may still be weeks away from the real games, but the early signs point to a team that’s thinking proactively - not just about who plays, but how they fit together. And if the bats at the top can set the tone, this lineup has a chance to make some noise right out of the gate.