The Cincinnati Reds will face a formidable challenge on Opening Day 2026: Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet. The left-handed pitcher, fresh off a dominant 2025 season, is poised to take the mound as the Red Sox begin their campaign. Crochet’s arrival in Boston has been nothing short of transformative, and the Reds will be immediately tested against one of baseball’s elite arms. Understanding how manager Terry Francona will construct the lineup to best counter Crochet’s strengths is a key early storyline for Cincinnati.
Crochet’s 2025 performance was exceptional. He posted a 6.3 bWAR, leading the American League with 205.1 innings pitched and a remarkable 255 strikeouts. His statistics – a 2.59 ERA, 2.89 FIP, and a minuscule 1.03 WHIP – cemented his status as a Cy Young contender, finishing second in voting to Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. That performance earned him a six-year, $170 million contract extension, securing his place as a cornerstone of the Red Sox rotation through 2031.
The Reds, however, struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025, a weakness that will be immediately exposed against Crochet. Their team wRC+ against lefties was a dismal 79, ranking fifth-worst in Major League Baseball. Only the Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates fared worse. The departure of key contributors against lefties, Austin Hays (155 wRC+ vs. LHP) and Miguel Andujar (153 wRC+ vs. LHP), further exacerbates this issue, leaving Francona with a puzzle to solve when constructing his Opening Day lineup.
Addressing the Left-Handed Threat
Francona has hinted at his approach throughout the offseason, and the focus will be on maximizing matchups and leveraging players who have demonstrated an ability to handle left-handed pitching. The outfield alignment, in particular, presents several options, each with its own set of considerations.
Noelvi Marte, despite a challenging 2025 against lefties (55 wRC+ in 104 plate appearances), appears likely to start in right field. The team seems willing to provide him another opportunity to prove his struggles were an anomaly, and he has reportedly focused on improving his approach during the offseason. The center field situation is more fluid. TJ Friedl (88 wRC+ against lefties in 198 plate appearances) has been a reliable player, but the acquisition of Dane Myers from the Miami Marlins adds a new dimension. Myers boasts a strong 119 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers in 117 plate appearances in 2025 and is a plus defender, making him a strong candidate to start in center field. Friedl could potentially shift to left field, but Spencer Steer is as well in contention for playing time there, offering Francona flexibility.
Infield and Catcher Considerations
The infield appears more settled, though not without its own questions. Ke’Bryan Hayes is expected to start at third base, despite his offensive struggles. Francona seems to prioritize Hayes’s exceptional defensive abilities, believing they outweigh his shortcomings at the plate. Elly De La Cruz, the team’s only switch-hitter, will bat third and play shortstop, utilizing his right-handed swing against Crochet. Matt McLain has earned Francona’s trust with a strong spring performance and is projected to hit second while playing second base, particularly against left-handed starters. At first base, Sal Stewart is poised to develop into the everyday option, especially when facing left-handed pitchers.
The designated hitter spot will likely belong to Eugenio Suárez, who has a proven track record of success against left-handed pitching (.824 OPS vs. .781 against right-handers). Behind the plate, the decision between Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino remains open. Starter Andrew Abbott pitched to Stephenson in 18 games and Trevino in 10 during 2025, suggesting Stephenson may have a slight edge.
Projected Opening Day Lineup
Based on these considerations, here’s a likely lineup for the Reds on Opening Day against Garrett Crochet:
- Friedl – CF
- McLain – 2B
- De La Cruz – SS
- Stewart – 1B
- Suárez – DH
- Steer – LF
- Stephenson – C
- Marte – RF
- Hayes – 3B
Francona may opt to start Friedl in center field, with Dane Myers available to pinch-hit later in the game and provide defensive coverage for Marte. This approach allows the Reds to leverage Myers’s ability to hit left-handed pitching while maintaining a strong defensive presence in the outfield.
Looking Ahead
This lineup reflects a strategic attempt to mitigate the Reds’ struggles against left-handed pitching, a challenge that will persist throughout the season. Francona’s approach will likely remain consistent – prioritizing favorable matchups and utilizing players who have demonstrated success against southpaws. The team’s performance against lefties will be a key indicator of their overall success in 2026. The next test comes quickly, with a series against the Chicago Cubs and left-handed starter Jordan Wicks scheduled for the following week. The full 2026 schedule can be found on MLB.com.
What are your thoughts on the Reds’ approach to facing Garrett Crochet? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow baseball fans.
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