Garrett Crochet's move to the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox was a game-changer, and it's safe to say the southsiders felt that one. Crochet settled into his new home with authority, posting an impressive 6.3 bWAR season.
He led the American League with 205.1 innings pitched and topped MLB with 255 strikeouts. His stellar performance was backed by a 2.59 ERA, 2.89 FIP, and a tidy 1.03 WHIP.
Crochet's efforts earned him a second-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting, just behind Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. He also made his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance and secured a six-year, $170 million extension, solidifying his role as Boston's ace through 2031.
With those credentials, it's a no-brainer that Crochet will take the mound for Boston on Opening Day 2026 against the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds, who struggled against left-handers last season with a 79 wRC+, will face an immediate test.
They ranked fifth worst in baseball against southpaws, trailing only a few teams like the Rockies, Nationals, and Pirates. Losing key hitters like Austin Hays and Miguel Andujar, who excelled against lefties, only compounds their challenge.
Manager Terry Francona has hinted at some lineup possibilities for the Reds, starting with the outfield. Noelvi Marte, who had a tough time against lefties in 2025 with a 55 wRC+ over 104 plate appearances, looks set to get another shot in right field. He's been working hard over the winter to turn things around.
TJ Friedl, who posted an 88 wRC+ in 198 plate appearances against lefties last year, might not have been at his best, but he's usually reliable. Francona's options include moving Friedl around, especially with Dane Myers in the mix.
Myers, who had a 119 wRC+ against lefties in 2025 with Miami, was brought in for his ability to handle southpaws and could slot into center field. Friedl might shift to left field, where Spencer Steer is also an option.
Lefty Will Benson will likely start on the bench.
On the infield, Ke’Bryan Hayes is expected to start at third base, batting ninth, thanks to his standout defense. Elly De La Cruz, the team's switch-hitter, will bat right-handed and hit third while playing shortstop.
Matt McLain, after an impressive spring, is poised to hit second and play second base, particularly against lefties. At first base, Sal Stewart is set to be the go-to guy against left-handers, including Crochet.
Eugenio Suárez, known for his prowess against lefties with an .824 OPS, will likely take the designated hitter spot. Behind the plate, Tyler Stephenson is the probable choice, given his history with starter Andrew Abbott.
Here's a look at the expected lineup Francona might hand to the umpire at Great American Ball Park:
- Friedl - CF
- McLain - 2B
- De La Cruz - SS
- Stewart - 1B
- Suárez - DH
- Steer - LF
- Stephenson - C
- Marte - RF
- Hayes - 3B
Expect Friedl to start in center field, with Myers potentially stepping in as a pinch-hitter against Crochet and providing defensive support later in the game. It's shaping up to be an intriguing matchup as the Reds look to tackle their lefty struggles head-on.