Dean's Dream Red Sox Lineup
A Blog By Dean
Let me start by saying that this lineup can only be constructed using the players currently in the organization. Everyone knows my love for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and how badly I wanted the Red Sox to try to trade for him last year.
This is what my ideal Opening Day Lineup would look like.
Catcher- Connor Wong
No brainer here. He was the go-to guy last year and will be again in 2025. I know they were trying to figure out ways to move him around the field, but I don’t see how that could happen with the roster being so bloated. He is having an atrocious Spring, but he has barely played.
First Base- Rafael Devers
Look, this is my fantasy lineup, so let me cook. Personally, I feel for Rafael Devers and the fact that the team seemingly told him he was the third baseman before getting Alex Bregman right in front of him. I have no clue how accurate the reports are of him “considering” asking for a trade, but those days are behind us.
I think there is a very good chance Bregman will be gone after this year. In that scenario, I can see Devers going back to 3B. For now, I want him at first so he stays on the field.
Is this feasible so close to Opening Day? Probably not, but a guy can dream.
Second Base- Kristian Campbell
If you haven’t caught on, I am trying to format the lineup around the Big 3. I also believe in picking a youngster's position and keeping him there. (I think Rafaela's moving around hurt him last year.)
The last franchise 2B the team had was Dustin Pedroia. Most fans believe Kristian can be a ROY-type player, so bring him up, put him in his natural position, and let him grow. It is where he played the most games in the minors and is a position of need for the Sox.
Shortstop- Marcelo Mayer
Before you get your panties in a bunch, Story will be here; don’t worry.
However, I want to see Marcelo Mayer at his favorite position when the season starts. I know this is a pipe dream, but the idea of watching Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer up the middle gets the juices flowing.
Third Base- Alex Bregman
I was vocal about not signing Alex Bregman to a big deal. I am very much content with the deal that he signed, as it is not long-term and will not hamper the team, similar to the Story signing (sorry, not sorry.)
That said, I have been a big fan of Bregman this Spring and am excited to see him demolish the Green Monster this season. I would prefer, as would the Red Sox, to see that happen from this natural position at 3B.
Left Field- Roman Anthony
He is an on-base machine and the top prospect in all of MLB. Of the Big 3, he actually has the best chance to be on the Opening Day Roster. If anything holds him back, it will be the stomach bug he got last week that resulted in him losing ten pounds.
Center Field- Ceddanne Rafaela
Funnily enough, this was the position I struggled with the most. I initially had Duran here, with Wilyer in right field. However, with Abreu out and Rafaela performing well, I decided to go with Ceddanne.
Abreu was the more complete player last year, but Rafaela's ceiling is higher. I hope that they keep him in the center and let him develop. I believe the moving around the field stunted his growth last season.
Right Field- Jarren Duran
MVP of the Red Sox in 2024, and it feels like he has been forgotten here in 2025. He hasn’t really done much in Spring Training to warrant him getting much love. Again, I don’t give Spring Training numbers much thought. However, I get most of my MLB information from X, and Duran hasn’t done anything worth posting.
Duran doesn’t have much experience in the right, but with Anthony’s foot speed, he seems a better fit in left field, so by default, I moved Jarren over to the right. Whether or not he stays there will depend on Rafaela’s offense. If Ceddanne struggles to start the year, I can see Cora going back to Wilyet in the right and Durran in the center.
Regardless, the fact that last year's best player is somewhat of an afterthought shows this team's potential.
Designated Hitter- Trevor Story
This is something that I floated out on X about a month ago. I was immediately torn apart for it. Let me lay out my thoughts in bullet form.
Marcelo Mayer is the SS of the future. Let him play the position.
Trevor Story has played 163 games over three seasons for Boston. To save his aging body, he should be moved to DH.
The fact of the matter is that Trevor Story is not opting out of his contract at the end of this season. They will have him for a few more years. Whether he stays at SS or moves to 2B, he is blocking the team's future stars.
At DH, his injury risk would be down exponentially, and they could possibly salvage what is left of this deal.
Starting Pitcher- Garrett Crochet
This one has already been announced and is obvious.
What About Everyone Else
The three notable players not on this list are
Triston Casas
Wilyer Abreu
Masataka Yoshida
If the teams want Triston Casas, they should try to trade him. They have reportedly been trying to do this for a few months to no avail. Wilyer and Masataka will provide depth to the lineup, and Wilyer would be a good trade piece at the deadline if the team needs pitching help and is in the hunt for the AL East.
I know this lineup will probably rattle some Red Sox fans. I am also fully aware that a lot of this will probably not happen.
But a kid can dream….
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Casas & Abreu for Cease???