The Red Sox started 2026 with legitimate postseason aspirations. Those vanished for three months before a historic 31-5 run revived them. With two months to go, the Red Sox are back on track for October, just not in a way anyone could’ve imagined.
Given how fluid this roster is with stars eventually set to return amid a long list of contributing characters, the construction of a playoff roster is as fascinating as ever.
For now, let’s start with a potential lineup and a three-man rotation necessary
for a first-round series.
LINEUP
Let’s dive right in. To me, here’s the best group they can line up (heath dependent, obviously).
- Roman Anthony, LF
- Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
- Wilyer Abreu, RF
- Willson Contreras, 1B
- Adley Rutschman, C
- Caleb Durbin, 3B
- Curtis Mead, 2B
- Masataka Yoshida/Jahmai Jones, DH
- Franklin Arias, SS
Other players for bench consideration: Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, Connor Wong, Eli White, Anthony Seigler, Andruw Monasterio, Jake Rogers, Nick Sogard
If the Red Sox can trot out that 1-9, they’ve got a great shot at a pennant. Look how much better that lineup is than what they had for the series against the Yankees last year!
And yes, I’m all in on the Franklin Arias spot here. I will let the 2013 Xander Bogaerts blueprint come back to life. Risky for his development? Yes. Risky for the club? Yes. But he’s not here to carry a lineup. He’s a young spark at the No. 9 spot who may also be their best defensive option.
Rotation
Assuming the Red Sox start in the Wild Card round, they’ll only need three starters for that rotation.
Game 1: Sonny Gray
Game 2: Ranger Suarez
Game 3: Payton Tolle
Similar to the lineup, Boston should feel better about this group than last year’s set in New York. It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox not handing the ball to Garrett Crochet without thinking twice, but his build-up will not have him ready to let loose as a full starter by then.
Is combining Crochet and Brayan Bello into a start an option? Sure, but I’ve talked myself into using Crochet in the 2017 David Price role (still deserves more respect).
Jake Bennett should be on a WC roster, though he wouldn’t be ready for a playoff start until a longer series where he can take Game 4.
How would you draw up the lineup and rotation for October? Build out yours in the comment section!
