CINCINNATI — The Boston Red Sox have finalized their roster ahead of Thursday’s 2026 season-opening game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The club on Wednesday announced the 26 players who will be in uniform when they officially kick off the new year at Great American Ball Park.
Boston’s Opening Day roster is as follows:
Pitchers
- Brayan Bello
- Aroldis Chapman
- Danny Coulombe
- Garrett Crochet
- Connelly Early
- Sonny Gray
- Jovani Morán
- Johan Oviedo
- Justin Slaten
- Ranger Suarez
- Ryan Watson
- Greg Weissert
- Garrett Whitlock
Catchers
- Carlos Narváez
- Connor Wong
Infielders
- Willson Contreras
- Caleb Durbin
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa
- Marcelo Mayer
- Andruw Monasterio
- Trevor Story
Outfielders
- Wilyer Abreu
- Roman Anthony
- Jarren Duran
- Ceddanne Rafaela
- Masataka Yoshida
The Red Sox are scheduled to play three games against the Reds before visiting Houston for a trio of contests with the Astros. First pitch for today’s game is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.
The pitching matchup is expected to feature a pair of left-handers, with 2025 Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet going for Boston and Andrew Abbott for the Reds.
The team is looking to approve upon its 89-73 record in 2025, a season which resulted in an American League Wild Card playoff defeat at the hands of the New York Yankees.
Expectations for the Red Sox are high in 2026. Tony Massarotti, of 98.5 The Sports Hub, joined the Boston 25 Morning News to discuss the season ahead.
“They should be every bit the team they were last year, maybe a little bit more because their pitching is better and their lineup is better,” Massarotti said. “The division is difficult, but I have a hard time shaking the idea that the Red Sox should be something less than a championship contender.”
Massarotti added, “Are they as good as the Dodgers? No, nobody is. But I don’t think it’s wrong to think that they could be or should be as good as any other team in the game.”
Boston’s home opener at Fenway Park takes place on Friday, April 3, against the San Diego Padres.
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