Here are 26 Red Sox predictions for 2026, including big trades, a Roman Anthony breakout, and a no-hitter? | Chris Coti
Emotional Statement: The Red Sox are at a pivotal moment, with a fresh start in 2026. They've made significant moves, adding Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo, yet they haven't signed a free agent to a major league contract. It's time to turn the page and start anew.
Controversial Prediction: 13. The Red Sox will continue their pattern of early extensions, getting one done around Opening Day. This could spark debate, as it may be seen as a strategic move or a potential overcommitment. But here's where it gets interesting...
Thought-Provoking Question: Will the Red Sox's aggressive approach to extensions pay off, or will it backfire?
Prediction 1: The Red Sox will enter spring training without trading out of their outfield logjam.
Prediction 2: Either Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette will be signed before Opening Day.
Prediction 3: Marcelo Mayer will be in the Opening Day lineup.
Prediction 4: Boston will have very few, or zero, position players debut in 2026.
Prediction 5: Either Connelly Early or Payton Tolle will begin the season in Triple-A.
Prediction 6: Kutter Crawford will throw more than 120 innings and be pretty good, too.
Prediction 7: Wilyer Abreu will make his first All-Star team.
Prediction 8: Masataka Yoshida will be off the roster by Opening Day.
Prediction 9: Craig Breslow will make a notable external addition to the front office.
Prediction 10: The first major league free agent signing will be a veteran reliever.
Prediction 11: Aroldis Chapman will take a step back in 2026, as will the bullpen as a whole.
Prediction 12: A former Red Sox prospect will have a big breakout year for another team.
Prediction 13: The Red Sox will continue their pattern of handing out early extensions, getting one done around Opening Day.
Prediction 14: The Willson Contreras trade will work out great for the Red Sox, but the Sonny Gray deal will not.
Prediction 15: Garrett Crochet will take a no-hitter into the ninth inning (at least).
Prediction 16: Brayan Bello will be traded.
Prediction 17: The Red Sox will announce they've been awarded an All-Star Game.
Prediction 18: Zack Kelly will put it all together and emerge as a big bullpen weapon.
Prediction 19: The early returns on the Johan Oviedo for Jhostynxon Garcia trade will not be good.
Prediction 20: Boston will add a major league catcher at some point.
Prediction 21: Kristian Campbell will show signs of life as a useful player riding the Worcester shuttle.
Prediction 22: Trevor Story's workload will take a hit.
Prediction 23: Discord between the Red Sox and Triston Casas will lead to a trade.
Prediction 24: Roman Anthony will be a top-three AL MVP finisher.
Prediction 25: The Red Sox will retire someone's number.
Prediction 26: Boston will compete for the AL East title and go deeper in the postseason than in 2025.
