FORT MYERS, Fla. – The quiet in Fort Myers is starting to fade. After a few weeks of a noticeably lighter atmosphere due to 13 players participating in the World Baseball Classic, the Boston Red Sox are largely back to full strength as they prepare for the start of the 2026 season. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the disruption, but expressed confidence as the team refocuses on the task at hand: a March 26th Opening Day matchup in Cincinnati. The focus now shifts to sorting through several key storylines that will define the remainder of spring training and shape the roster that will attempt to contend in the American League East.
The Red Sox enter the 2026 season with high expectations, fueled by a talented roster and a desire to build on recent successes. However, several questions remain, particularly regarding positional battles and the starting rotation. Navigating these challenges will be crucial as Cora and his staff look to assemble a competitive team capable of making a deep postseason run. The team’s performance in spring training will be closely watched as they fine-tune their strategies and evaluate their players.
One of the most pressing issues facing the Red Sox is the crowded outfield, a situation exacerbated by the extended absences of several key players during the World Baseball Classic. With five players – Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Masataka Yoshida, and Wilyer Abreu – all vying for playing time, Cora faces a difficult decision on how to best utilize his talent. The team’s ability to effectively manage this logjam will be a key factor in their success this season.
Navigating the Outfield Logjam
The outfield situation is complex, with limited opportunities for consistent playing time. Cora has indicated that emerging star Roman Anthony will see the bulk of the action, likely playing left field and receiving opportunities at designated hitter, with occasional appearances in right field when Abreu needs a rest. Duran is expected to rotate between left, center (when Rafaela isn’t playing), and DH. Rafaela and Abreu, both 2025 American League Gold Glove winners, are expected to be mainstays in center and right field, respectively. Abreu and Rafaela’s defensive prowess provides Cora with a solid foundation in the corners.
The most uncertain piece of the puzzle is Masataka Yoshida. Cora acknowledged the difficulty in finding a consistent role for the outfielder. “Just get the group together, see the lineup. Start looking for certain situations, how we’re going to deploy our guys,” Cora said. “That’s the most important thing. Like I said before, it’s not a problem. Whoever wants to say it’s a problem, well, good for them. The manager says it’s not a problem. It’s a luxury having good players; to have 13 position players that are solid, it’s always good. We’ll figure it out. We’re going to be good.”
The Battle for the No. 5 Starter
Beyond the positional logjam, the Red Sox are also evaluating their options for the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation. Several pitchers are competing for the role, including Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, and top prospect Payton Tolle. Oviedo threw in a Minor League game on Wednesday, while Early pitched five scoreless innings in a 1-0 loss to the Yankees on March 18, allowing just one hit. Tolle, ranked as Boston’s top prospect and No. 19 overall by MLB Pipeline, dazzled in a four-inning relief appearance against the Braves on March 17, striking out five without allowing a walk.
Each pitcher has demonstrated potential, but Early has been the most consistent of the trio. All three have Minor League options, providing the Red Sox with flexibility. Veterans Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are also in the mix, though they are unlikely to be stretched out enough to start the season due to injuries that sidelined them for all of last season. However, they could become factors in the rotation later in April.
Mayer’s Roster Pursuit and Wong’s Backup Role
The infield also presents an interesting dynamic, with Marcelo Mayer vying for a roster spot. Initially, it was expected that Mayer and Caleb Durbin would fill vacancies at third and second base. Cora ultimately settled on Durbin as the third baseman, but Mayer has impressed at second base and at the plate. However, Cora hasn’t yet guaranteed Mayer a spot on the Opening Day roster. “He’s playing well. He’s playing really well,” Cora said. “And obviously, we have to craft a decision. We haven’t made that decision, but so far, he’s been checking all the boxes.” Mayer was originally selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Another question mark surrounds the backup catcher position. Connor Wong, who provided unexpected offensive contributions in 2024, struggled last season due to hand injuries. Despite a slow start to spring training (2-for-26), Wong is currently projected as the leading candidate to back up Carlos Narváez. Matt Thaiss, Mickey Gasper, and Jason Delay are also making strong impressions. Cora expressed his confidence in Wong, stating, “We’ll see where we’re at. But I really like Connor. He’s a good player. He’s good in the clubhouse. He knows this pitching staff. I like him.”
As the Red Sox continue their preparations, the focus will remain on evaluating their players and making the necessary decisions to assemble a competitive roster. The team’s success will depend on their ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on their strengths. The next key date for the Red Sox is March 26th, when they will open the season against the Cincinnati Reds.
What are your thoughts on the Red Sox’s spring training storylines? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow baseball fans.
