As the 2026 MLB season approaches, one question looms large for the Boston Red Sox: Can they truly contend without a powerhouse lineup? Last season’s conclusion made it crystal clear—the team desperately needed a power bat. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow didn’t mince words, labeling it a top priority. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a solid offseason overhaul, the Red Sox whiffed on landing any of the big-name sluggers. Pete Alonso? Snagged by the Orioles. Kyle Schwarber? Back with the Phillies. Even Alex Bregman slipped away to the Cubs. So, what’s the plan now?
Instead of doubling down on power, the Red Sox pivoted to run prevention, signing ace starter Ranger Suarez and trading for infielder Caleb Durbin—a promising talent, but hardly a home run threat. The result? A team with legitimate playoff aspirations but one of the least intimidating lineups in baseball. And this is the part most people miss: while Breslow admits their power pursuit fell short, he’s banking on internal growth and a balanced approach to carry the day.
But how realistic is that? Preseason models paint a bleak picture. FanGraphs’ ZiPS projects the Red Sox as the only MLB team without a single player topping 20 home runs. Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Trevor Story lead the way with 18 each—hardly numbers that strike fear into opponents. Even prospects like Mikey Romero and Freili Encarnacion are expected to crack the top 10 in homers, which says more about the lineup’s lack of punch than their potential. Steamer projections aren’t much kinder, with Willson Contreras topping out at 19 homers.
Breslow waves off these forecasts, insisting the team’s own models—and their players’ untapped potential—tell a different story. He points to a healthy Trevor Story, a breakout-ready Roman Anthony, and a full season of Wilyer Abreu as reasons for optimism. But let’s be real: health is never a guarantee, and even if these players hit their projected marks, it’s still a far cry from a power-packed lineup.
Here’s the kicker: The Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs last season, yet still managed to score the 7th-most runs in the league. How? By leading MLB in doubles—324 of them, a staggering 28 more than the second-place Athletics. So, while they may not crush the ball over the fence, they’re masters of the extra-base hit. But is that enough to win a championship?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Alex Bregman. Would he have been the missing piece? Probably not. ZiPS projects him for 18 homers with the Cubs, and while that’s better than Durbin or Marcelo Mayer, it’s not the game-changer some fans hoped for. Bregman would’ve supercharged the lineup, but the Red Sox’s identity remains clear: a doubles-heavy team with sneaky pop, not a home run factory.
The wild card in all this? Triston Casas. When healthy, he’s a legitimate 30-homer threat. The problem? Staying healthy. With Contreras at first base and a crowded DH spot, Casas’ role is uncertain. If he can recover from his ruptured patellar tendon and find consistent playing time, he could be the power anchor this team desperately needs. But that’s a big ‘if.’
If the Red Sox want to boost their power midseason, they’ll need external help. Ketel Marte, the switch-hitting second baseman with three straight 25-homer seasons, would be a dream addition. But he’d come at a steep price. Another option? Brandon Lowe, who hit 31 homers last season but now finds himself with the Pirates. If Pittsburgh falters, Lowe could be a trade deadline target.
Best-case scenario? Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu both exceed expectations, Casas stays healthy, and the starting rotation keeps games close. Even without a 30-homer hitter, four or five players in the 20s—coupled with their doubles prowess and improved defense—could transform the Red Sox into a legitimate contender. But here’s the question for you: Is a power-deficient lineup enough to win it all, or will the Red Sox’s lack of pop come back to haunt them? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
