As the 2026 MLB season approaches, a bold question looms over the Boston Red Sox: Can a team with one of the most power-deficient lineups in baseball truly contend for a championship? Last season’s conclusion made it crystal clear: the Red Sox needed a power bat, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow openly declared it a top priority. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite a roster overhaul, the Red Sox whiffed on landing any of the top free-agent 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 power, the Red Sox pivoted to run prevention, signing ace starter Ranger Suarez and trading for young infielder Caleb Durbin. While these moves bolster the team’s playoff aspirations, they do little to address the glaring lack of home run hitters. And this is the part most people miss: the Red Sox are banking on internal growth and a balanced lineup to compensate for their power shortage. Breslow remains optimistic, pointing to a returning Trevor Story, a healthy Roman Anthony, and the potential of Wilyer Abreu. But let’s be real—can this group really produce enough power to compete?
Preseason models paint a bleak picture. FanGraphs’ ZiPS projects the Red Sox as the only MLB team without a player topping 20 home runs. Even prospects like Mikey Romero and Freili Encarnacion are expected to contribute more than established veterans. Steamer projections aren’t much kinder, with Willson Contreras leading the team at just 19 homers. Breslow brushes off these forecasts, insisting the team’s own models and player development will prove the doubters wrong. But is that enough?
Health will be the make-or-break factor. If Story, Anthony, and Abreu stay on the field, they could each clear 20 home runs. Yet, even that would only be a slight improvement over last year’s meager two players topping 20 homers. The Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs in 2025, relying heavily on doubles—a category they led the league in. But can doubles and run prevention carry them to a title?
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Would Alex Bregman have been the power solution? While he’s a stellar player, projections suggest he’d add just 18-23 homers—hardly a game-changer. The Red Sox’s offense is more of a doubles machine with sneaky pop, not a power juggernaut. And this brings us to the wild card: Triston Casas. When healthy, he’s a legitimate 30-homer threat, but his injury history is a massive question mark. With Contreras at first base and a crowded DH spot, Casas’ role remains uncertain. Will he even get enough playing time to make an impact?
If the Red Sox want to boost their power ceiling, midseason reinforcements are a must. Ketel Marte, a switch-hitting second baseman with three straight 25-homer seasons, would be a perfect fit—if the Diamondbacks make him available. Another name to watch? Brandon Lowe, who hit 31 homers last season but now finds himself in Pittsburgh. If the Pirates falter, Lowe could be a prime trade target.
Best-case scenario: Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu exceed expectations, Casas stays healthy, and the Red Sox add a power bat at the deadline. Even without a 30-homer hitter, four or five players in the 20s could transform this lineup. Combined with an improved rotation and solid defense, that modest power boost might just be enough to make the Red Sox a legitimate contender.
But here’s the real question for you: Can a team thrive in today’s MLB without elite power? Or are the Red Sox setting themselves up for disappointment? Let’s debate it in the comments—I want to hear your take!
