Alex Cora isn’t worried about the Boston Red Sox’s outfield logjam to open the 2026 season.
Despite much speculation, the Red Sox have retained all four of their outfielders. Cora has three spots for Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, relegating one of them to designated hitter duties over Masataka Yoshida.
Cora told reporters that he’s not stressed by figuring out how to play them all.
“It’s not a problem,” Cora said. “I bet there’s 29 other managers that would love to have this outfield. Whoever is out there, I truly believe — we got Wily, Ceddanne, Jarren or Roman — is probably the best outfield in the big leagues.”
Cora isn’t exaggerating. Boston’s outfield led all MLB teams in defensive runs saved (52 DRS) and outs above average (32 OAA) by a substantial margin. Rafaela and Abreu each won an American League Gold Glove at center field and right field, respectively.
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After spending most of his time at center field in 2024, Duran registered 11 DRS in left field last season. That led Anthony to frequently start at DH after his June promotion, but the 21-year-old delivered plus defense in right.
Cora briefly attempted to solve this surplus by moving Rafaela to second base. Not only did that remove one of the game’s best fielders from a premium position, but he struggled mightily at the plate after the switch.
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Rafaela is expected to stay in center this year, and Cora indicated that he views Abreu as an everyday player despite his struggles against left-handed pitching. That could mean Duran and Anthony rotate between left field and DH.
If it’s a problem, it’s a good one for Cora to have.
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Featured image via Patrick Gorski/Imagn Images
