Three Bold Predictions For Red Sox 2026 Season

Connelly Early Finishes Top Three In American League Rookie of the Year Voting

Payton Tolle is atop most Boston Red Sox top prospect lists due to his sky-high ceiling, but Connelly Early is the more MLB-ready pitcher. Early features six pitches, and showed the ability to throw each of them for strikes. His release is low and comes with big extension that helps his fastball play up. The pitch played well at 94 mph, although its velocity diminished throughout his outings. With an offseason to add muscle, he could enter 2026 throwing even harder. On top of that, his curveball, changeup and slider each missed bats at a high rate. His sinker also worked against both sides of the plate, allowing him to attack hitters in different ways as the lineup turns over.

The biggest obstacle is playing time — While Early might be one of the five best starters on the team, he has options remaining and may start the season in Triple-A Worcester. If he finds his way in the rotation and makes 20 or more starts in 2026, he’ll finish top-three in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Jordan Hicks Becomes Key Piece Of Red Sox Bullpen

No team in baseball goes through the season without an injury, particularly on the pitching staff. Last season, the Red Sox were short-handed at the back of the bullpen when Justin Slaten missed time due to injury. Aside from Rule-5 pick Ryan Watson, they’ve yet to make any additions to the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock and Slaten will be the high-leverage arms to begin the season. Leaning on three arms through an entire season is unsustainable, though, and someone will need to step up.

When Jordan Hicks was acquired as part of the return for Rafael Devers, he was a project. He’s always had control issues, but has premium velocity out of the bullpen. The Red Sox were successfully able to help Whitlock transition from a struggling starter to a lockdown reliever. They were able to drastically cut Chapman’s walk rate as well. Hicks has excellent stuff, and with a healthy offseason and focus on a relief role, he could become one of the team’s high-leverage relievers.

Triston Casas Forces His Way Into Lineup, Hits 25 Home Runs

Triston Casas might have a hard time getting into the lineup to begin 2025. Willson Contreras was acquired to play first base, and a surplus of outfielders will keep the designated hitter spot occupied. He still possesses the traits that made him a formidable hitter in 2023, though.

Casas has an excellent understanding of the strike zone; his 23% chase rate is among the best in the league. He also has elite bat speed and has demonstrated the ability to translate it to game power. He didn’t impact the ball as well as in previous seasons, but he started to turn a corner before his injury. A .221 BABIP also suppressed his season line and should regress to the mean over a larger sample. Casas is an excellent hitter when healthy. If he can remain in the lineup and find a way into consistent playing time, he has the tools to have an excellent season.