Bold claim: The Red Sox are reshaping their 2026 lineup around a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, and Alex Cora is already outlining a vision that could redefine how Boston starts games next season. But here's where it gets controversial: the plan hinges on balancing power with speed and adaptability, not just chasing a traditional cleanup hitter.
Alex Cora gave a early glimpse of how he might arrange Boston’s batting order for 2026, with the club likely done adding major pieces after last week’s Caleb Durbin acquisition. With a deep lineup but no obvious standout slugger, Cora has until spring training to finalize his approach.
During a Wednesday media session in Fort Myers, and as reported by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Cora indicated he expects Willson Contreras to bat cleanup. While the top of the order remains in flux, he did reveal which players are most likely to anchor the lineup.
“Willson will be up there (fourth),” Cora said. “Roman will be up there, Jarren is part of it and Trevor has earned the right to hit at the top of the lineup.”
Last season, Cora moved Jarren Duran into the leadoff spot before a season-ending oblique injury sidelined him in September. He still views the 21-year-old as an ideal table-setter, reminiscent of the impact Mookie Betts had when he led off in 2018.
“He’s valuable anywhere,” Cora noted about Anthony. “Putting pressure on the opposition from pitch one matters. He was outstanding leading off, and that means he’ll get the most at-bats of anyone. He’s that kind of hitter.”
Duran shifted to No. 3 after Anthony’s ascent last year, and he could reclaim that spot. Trevor Story is expected to slot between two left-handed outfielders in a No. 2 position, a role previously occupied by Alex Bregman. In this setup, Durbin may not start in the heart of the order, but Cora suggested he could bat sixth against right-handers.
“He can hit on top of the lineup, but he can provide length in the lineup,” Cora said of Durbin. “He’s a good player. He’s a good baserunner. Having him bat behind the lefty who hits behind Willson makes sense, but we’ll see how it plays out against lefties. We’ll move him around.”
Wilyer Abreu fits Cora’s preference for a left-handed bat following Contreras at No. 5. That arrangement would push catcher Carlos Narváez and center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela into the bottom third of the order, alongside another potential starting infielder such as Marcelo Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, or Romy Gonzalez.
Context from the author: Andrew Gould is an editorial writer and longtime sports observer with a knack for fantasy baseball insights. His coverage here reflects Boston’s evolving roster and the strategic decisions Cora is weighing as spring approaches.
If you were building this lineup, would you prioritize a traditional power hitter at cleanup or lean into speed and balance with multiple players who can start rallies? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree with Cora’s approach, or would you shuffle the order differently to maximize early-game production?
