Red Sox vs. Northeastern: Three MLB Outfielders and Infield Prospect

The Red Sox kick off their exhibition slate in Fort Myers against Northeastern. The lineup looks pretty familiar, and it gives us a hint at what spring might look like with so many regulars off at the World Baseball Classic.

This preview takes a look at the projected outfield, infield work in the early spring games, the pitching assignment, and how Grapefruit League play could shape Boston’s 2026 season.

Spring Training Opener: Outfield chemistry and WBC shuffle

Friday’s outfield trio: Masataka Yoshida in left, Kristian Campbell in center, and Nate Eaton in right. Eaton leads off, Yoshida bats second, and Campbell hits third. They’re the only ones in the lineup who played for Boston in 2025.

Yoshida is set to play Friday and Saturday, then he’ll leave for Team Japan at the World Baseball Classic. Eaton sticks around briefly before heading to Great Britain. Campbell, who actually won the Opening Day second-base job last year, is expected to spend a lot of time in the outfield this spring. Boston’s regular outfielders are mostly off with their WBC squads, so Campbell’s versatility matters.

Outfield setup and WBC implications

This game is more than just a tune-up; it’s a fielding and hitting rehearsal for a group that might look totally different once Grapefruit League play gets rolling. Yoshida’s departure after these two exhibitions will leave some gaps, but Boston seems ready to lean on young players and flexibility in both the Cactus and Florida camps.

Campbell’s speed and outfield experience give him a real shot to play a lot this spring. The coaching staff wants to see how he fits into the long-term outfield mix, especially with so many regulars at the WBC.

Infield prospects and lineup notes

Behind the plate and around the infield, Boston’s rolling out some interesting young guys. Mikey Romero, the club’s No. 18 prospect and a former first-rounder, gets the start at second base. Tsung-Che Cheng, a recent waiver claim, is at shortstop. Allan Castro, the No. 26 prospect, will DH.

This group gives Boston a chance to see what they can do defensively and at the plate in a real game. Veterans will rotate through, but these prospects get a spotlight early on.

Pitching plans and game logistics

Tyler Uberstine, a right-hander ranked No. 16 among Red Sox prospects by Baseball America, gets the ball for the opener. He’ll start the seven-inning exhibition, which is pretty standard for early spring.

First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. ET, and NESN’s got the broadcast as the Grapefruit League begins. Uberstine’s job is to show what he’s worked on this winter and help the team figure out where their pitching staff stands as the roster comes together.

Grapefruit League kickoff and fan interest

Boston’s official Grapefruit League schedule starts the next day with a Saturday matchup against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers.

The early-season chatter isn’t just about player development. Fans are already talking about prospects and the betting markets, too.

FanDuel lists the season-wins line at 87.5. That number feels like a hedge—Boston’s roster looks competitive, but nobody’s ignoring the usual spring hiccups.

If you want to follow the latest odds or dive into team coverage, there are links for fan wagering and detailed Red Sox reporting.

• Outfield trio: Yoshida (LF), Campbell (CF), Eaton (RF) — lead-off, middle, and power-rotational roles in spring.
• Infield prospects: Mikey Romero at second, Tsung-Cheng Cheng at short, Allan Castro as DH.
• Projected starter: Tyler Uberstine on the mound for the opener.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox lineup vs. Northeastern includes three outfielders who played in majors in ‘25, infield prospect