Red Sox Spring Training 2026: 4 Key Storylines

The Boston Red Sox are back at spring camp after their World Baseball Classic run. Manager Alex Cora is trying to sort out a roster with way more depth than usual as Opening Day in Cincinnati creeps closer.

Thirteen players wore Boston’s colors in the Classic, so there’s still a ton to figure out before March 26. Cora’s got a packed camp and is trying to shape it into something balanced—especially in the outfield, on the mound, and behind the plate.

Outfield logjam and depth ahead of Opening Day

The Red Sox outfield is, honestly, a bit of a puzzle. With the designated hitter spot in play, five projected outfielders—Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Triston Casas (plus Abreu and Masataka Yoshida in some lineups)—are fighting for four spots, give or take.

Outfield mix and roles

Anthony looks like an everyday guy, bouncing between left field, DH, and sometimes right field. Duran can play left, center, and DH, which gives the team a ton of speed and defensive options.

Rafaela and Abreu are set to lock down center and right field most days, thanks to their Gold Glove-level defense. That might cut into Yoshida’s opportunities.

Masataka Yoshida doesn’t have a set role yet, and Cora seems to be figuring out where he fits best. Triston Casas is usually a first baseman, but he’s popping up in outfield plans too, which is interesting if a little uncertain.

• Roman Anthony: everyday candidate, rotating left field, DH, and sometimes right field.
• Jarren Duran: left/center field and DH; brings athleticism and speed.
• Ceddanne Rafaela: regular in center, Gold Glove defense.
• Abreu: right field when he’s in; steady veteran presence.
• Masataka Yoshida: role still up in the air as camp plays out.
• Triston Casas: mostly first base, but listed in outfield mix for flexibility.

Boston’s clearly aiming for depth over a single “perfect” fit. Cora’s challenge is to get these guys enough reps and figure out who fits where for the long haul.

Rotation depth and the No. 5 starter question

The pitching staff is another area with decisions looming, especially for the No. 5 starter spot. There are several candidates, and minor-league options are definitely in play.

Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle have all shown something in camp, but each has a different path to the majors.

Five-man depth chart and emerging candidates

Early has been the most steady so far, and Cora might lean on him early in the season. Oviedo just threw in a Minor League game and reminded everyone what he can do when he’s on.

Tolle looked sharp in a scoreless four-inning relief outing against the Braves, which suggests he could handle big moments in short stints. Veterans like Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are expected to join the rotation later in April, once they’ve finished rehabbing from last year’s injuries.

• Johan Oviedo: promising recent sessions; high ceiling if he keeps developing.
• Connelly Early: most consistent; might get an extended look early on.
• Payton Tolle: scoreless relief against Atlanta; could be close to a big-league role.
• Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval: possible late-April additions after rehab.

Infield and catching: securing the middle of the diamond

The infield is still in flux. Caleb Durbin looks like the frontrunner at third base, and Marcelo Mayer is turning heads at second, but nothing’s set in stone yet.

Behind the plate, Carlos Narváez leads the catching group. There’s a lively competition among backups, all trying to stand out during spring games.

Infield outlook and catching depth

Caleb Durbin looks like the likely third baseman. He brings a mix of contact skills and growing power, which could land him a regular spot in the lineup.

Marcelo Mayer has played well at second base. Still, his shot at the majors depends on how much he keeps improving and what the roster looks like.

• Carlos Narváez: the main guy behind the plate right now, with Connor Wong expected to back him up even though Wong’s had a slow spring
• Connor Wong: top backup, solid on defense, but still trying to earn more playing time
• Matt Thaiss, Mickey Gasper, Jason Delay: all making some noise in camp, giving Boston extra options and a bit of flexibility behind Narváez

Cora keeps saying that depth isn’t a problem—it’s a luxury. Honestly, that’s the kind of thing that could help Boston get through the ups and downs of spring, injuries, or whatever else comes their way as camp moves along.

 
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