Alex Cora Names Red Sox Player Who Can Take Leap In 2026

Several young Boston Red Sox players are capable of making big gains next season. Alex Cora is counting on one to develop into a key difference-maker.

Alex Speier asked Cora on NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast to identify a Red Sox player who could take a “significant step forward” in 2026. The Boston Globe reporter noted that Cora chose Ceddanne Rafaela when asked a similar question last year.

Boston’s manager stayed in the outfield to identify Wilyer Abreu as a potential breakout candidate. The right fielder must improve against left-handed pitchers to blossom into a permanent lineup fixture.

“We need Willy,” Cora said. “We need to figure out if Willy is a platoon player or an everyday player.”

Abreu finished the season with the Red Sox’s second-most home runs (22) behind Trevor Story in just 417 plate appearances. Along with missing time late in the season due to a calf injury, Abreu also frequently sat against southpaws.

The 26-year-old recorded an .808 OPS against righties and .676 OPS against lefties, an improvement from his .532 OPS versus same-handed pitchers in 2024. Cora believes Abreu can build on that progress and cement himself as a full-time starter.

“I think he can hit lefties,” Cora said. “His swing is a good one. We know he pulls the ball in the air against righties, but I think he can stay on lefties and shoot the ball to left-center.”

Cora also touted Abreu’s defense, claiming he should win a Gold Glove Award despite spending significant time on the injured list. Abreu’s 15 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is one behind Adolis García for the lead among American League right fielders.

Abreu can round out the puzzle by becoming a more polished hitter in his fourth season.

“He’s very important to our offense,” Cora said. “The challenge will be, this offseason, to cover certain areas of the strike zone and figure out the lefty problem.”