Like many, I try and have some fun during the offseason coming up with a lineup that I would love to see my favorite team roll out on Opening Day 2026. Of course, you have to try and keep it realistic and not throw some crazy names in there *Tarik Skubal*.
For me, the below lineup is what I think would be a ton of fun to watch in 2026. I also think it is “somewhat” possible. Probably the most controversial selection is Munetaka. Most fans will scoff at that and say that money should just go to Bregman. But with Murakami turning 26 in February and Bregman turning 32, I am going to lean with the youth.
Triston Casas and Wilyer Abreu are the two players that I would personally go and trade for pitching depth. (I will lay out my ideal rotation in a blog next week.)
Now, I don’t think Pete Alonso will actually sign with the Red Sox. I think he will stay with the New York Mets. However, if he does leave, I do think Boston would be his first choice. First, they seem willing to pay him. Second, he is the missing piece if you look at “biggest hole” the Red Sox have had the last decade.
Also, I know that my tweet upset Red Sox Nation, so now you are going to be baited into clicking this and getting angry all over again.
Sorry.
C — Carlos Narváez
2025 Stat Line (MLB)
Games (G): 118
Plate Appearances (PA): 446
AVG: .241
Home Runs (HR): 15
Runs Batted In (RBI): 50
Stolen Bases (SB): 1
OPS: .726
WAR: 2.6
1B — Pete Alonso
2025 Stat Line (MLB)
Games (G): 162
Plate Appearances (PA): 709
AVG: .272
Home Runs (HR): 38
Runs Batted In (RBI): 126
Stolen Bases (SB): 1
OPS: .871
WAR: 3.4
2B — Kristian Campbell
2025 Stat Line
Games (G): 67
Plate Appearances (PA): 263
AVG: .223
Home Runs (HR): 6
Runs Batted In (RBI):21
Stolen Bases (SB): 2
OPS: .664
SS — Trevor Story
2025 Stat Line (MLB)
Games (G): 157
Plate Appearances (PA): 654
AVG: .263
Home Runs (HR): 25
Runs Batted In (RBI): 96
Stolen Bases (SB): 31
OPS: .741
WAR: 3.8
3B — Marcelo Mayer
2025 Stat Line
Games (G): 44
Plate Appearances (PA): 136
AVG: .228
Home Runs (HR): 4
Runs Batted In (RBI): 10
Stolen Bases (SB): 0
OPS: .674
LF — Roman Anthony
2025 Stat Line
Games (G): 71
Plate Appearances (PA): 303
AVG: .292
Home Runs (HR): 8
Runs Batted In (RBI): 32
Stolen Bases (SB): 4
OPS: .859
CF — Ceddanne Rafaela
2025 Stat Line (MLB)
Games (G): 156
Plate Appearances (PA): 587
AVG: .249
Home Runs (HR): 16
Runs Batted In (RBI): 63
Stolen Bases (SB): 20
OPS: .708
WAR: 4.7
RF — Jarren Duran
2025 Stat Line (MLB)
Games (G): 157
Plate Appearances (PA): 696
AVG: .256
Home Runs (HR): 16
Runs Batted In (RBI): 84
Stolen Bases (SB): 24
OPS: .774
WAR: 4.7
DH — Munetaka Murakami
2025 Stat Line
Games (G): 69
Plate Appearances (PA): 263
AVG: .286
Home Runs (HR): 24
Runs Batted In (RBI): 52
Stolen Bases (SB): 5
OPS: 1.051
The Murakami over Bregman take is actualy pretty solid when you factor in age. His 1.051 OPS in limited time is really promising. Only thing I'm skeptical about is whether he can handle the transtion to MLB pitching over a full season, but 26 is the perfect age to find out.