Boston spent three summers perfecting the art of mediocrity before Alex Cora finally found the reset button. Now the Boston Red Sox are back where they claim they always belonged, brushing off the dust as if the wilderness years were just a long rain delay. October baseball doesn’t forgive nostalgia, though, and Cora’s roster decisions will matter far more than sentimental clubhouse speeches.

Starting pitchers for the Red Sox

In the postseason, pitching is paramount, and the Boston Red Sox have assembled a formidable trio to anchor their rotation. Brayan Bello, Garrett Crochet, and Lucas Giolito have been instrumental in propelling the team to the playoffs. Their combined efforts have transformed the Red Sox into a legitimate postseason contender.

Bello has been a consistent force throughout the season. With an 11-9 record and a 3.35 ERA over 29 starts, he has demonstrated resilience and reliability. His 124 strikeouts and 1.24 WHIP reflect his ability to manage games effectively, keeping hitters off balance and minimizing scoring opportunities. Bello’s performance has been crucial in stabilizing the rotation and providing the team with a dependable option every fifth day.

Crochet’s emergence as a dominant ace has been a revelation. Boasting an 18-5 record and a 2.59 ERA, he leads the team with 255 strikeouts, showcasing his overpowering stuff and ability to dominate opposing lineups. His consistency and strikeout prowess make him a formidable presence on the mound, capable of delivering in high-pressure postseason scenarios. Crochet’s performance has elevated the entire pitching staff and instilled confidence in the team’s postseason aspirations.

Giolito’s acquisition has proven to be a masterstroke. With a 10-4 record and a 3.41 ERA, he brings veteran experience and a steady presence to the rotation. His ability to pitch deep into games and maintain composure under pressure adds invaluable depth. Giolito’s contributions have been pivotal in providing balance and stability to the rotation, complementing the strengths of Bello and Crochet.

Together, this trio forms a formidable starting rotation that gives the Red Sox a significant advantage heading into the postseason. Their combined efforts have not only propelled the team to the playoffs but have also positioned them as serious contenders. With Bello, Crochet, and Giolito leading the charge, the Red Sox are poised to make a deep postseason run.

The Red Sox bullpen will define their postseason run

The bullpen is often the unsung hero of a postseason run. For the Boston Red Sox, the 2025 bullpen has been a revelation, ranking third in Major League Baseball with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.247 WHIP. This unit has been the backbone of their late-season surge, providing stability and confidence in high-leverage situations. Their performance will likely define how deep the team can go in October.

The Red Sox have assembled a bullpen that combines experience with emerging talent. Veterans like Aroldis Chapman, who boasts a 1.26 ERA and 0.68 WHIP, and Justin Wilson, with a 2.39 ERA, bring invaluable postseason experience. They are complemented by younger arms such as Garrett Whitlock, who has a 2.39 ERA and 2.1 WAR, and Payton Tolle, who has shown promise in his limited appearances. These pitchers collectively offer both reliability and upside for high-pressure situations.

In addition to these core relievers, the Red Sox have bolstered their bullpen with strategic flexibility. Steven Matz, who transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen, posted a 3.44 ERA over 55 innings. His postseason experience adds depth, while Zack Kelly provides multi-inning versatility. Connelly Early brings a fresh arm capable of generating swings and misses in crucial moments. This mix gives Boston a diverse set of options for every inning.

The decision to utilize former starters like Matz and Kelly in relief roles underscores the Red Sox’s commitment to maximizing their roster’s potential. Deploying pitchers with varied skill sets keeps opposing offenses off balance. The depth and flexibility of the bullpen will be crucial in navigating the high-stakes environment of the postseason. Cora’s ability to mix and match arms may make the difference in close games.

As the Red Sox approach the postseason, the bullpen’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. With a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic newcomers, they possess the tools to close out games and secure victories. Every inning in the playoffs is magnified, and Boston’s bullpen must deliver in those high-pressure moments.

Fans can take solace in the fact that the bullpen has been a strength throughout the season. Their consistency and resilience have been key factors in the team’s success. Every strikeout, every scoreless inning, builds confidence for the entire roster heading into October. The energy and trust in this group could be the edge the Red Sox need.

The Boston Red Sox don’t have to worry about their catchers

As the Boston Red Sox gear up for their postseason run, the catcher position stands as a pillar of stability. With Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong behind the plate, manager Alex Cora can rest easy knowing his pitchers are in capable hands.

Narváez, in particular, has been a reliable presence, boasting a .240 batting average and 15 home runs in 396 at-bats. His defensive prowess, highlighted by a 1.94-second pop time to second base, showcases his ability to control the running game.

Connor Wong, while known for his versatility, has also proven valuable behind the plate. In 2025, he appeared in 126 games, hitting .280 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. His adaptability across multiple positions, including catcher, first base, and second base, adds depth to the roster. Wong’s defensive skills complement Narváez’s, ensuring that the Red Sox have a formidable catching duo for the postseason.

Together, Narváez and Wong provide the Red Sox with a balanced and dependable catching tandem. Their combined experience and skill set behind the plate will be instrumental in navigating the challenges of October baseball.

Boston Red Sox: Infielders

As the Boston Red Sox prepare for their postseason run, the infield lineup has become a focal point. With key players sidelined due to injuries, the team must rely on a mix of seasoned veterans and versatile role players. This strategic combination aims to provide both stability and adaptability, ensuring the team remains competitive in the high-stakes environment of playoff baseball.

At the heart of the infield, Alex Bregman brings a wealth of experience and consistency. In the 2025 season, he maintained a .273 batting average, hit 18 home runs, and drove in 62 RBIs. His .822 OPS underscores his ability to contribute both in power and in on-base situations. Bregman’s leadership and defensive prowess at third base provide a solid foundation for the infield.

Trevor Story, with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs in the 2025 season, offers both power and experience at shortstop. His .746 OPS reflects his capacity to impact games offensively. Story’s presence in the lineup adds depth and a proven track record in postseason scenarios.

Nathaniel Lowe, despite a .227 batting average in 2025, has demonstrated resilience and clutch hitting, driving in 84 RBIs. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset at first base. Romy Gonzalez has been a revelation, especially in recent games. In his last 30 games, he posted a .327 batting average with 14 RBIs. His versatility allows him to fill multiple roles, providing flexibility in the lineup.

David Hamilton, known for his speed and defensive skills, offers depth and versatility. While his .195 batting average in 2025 is modest, he remains a threat on the base paths and a reliable defensive option. Nick Sogard‘s .261 batting average, combined with his adaptability across multiple positions, adds another layer of depth to the infield. His ability to step into various roles as needed ensures the team can adjust to any situation during the postseason.

Together, this infield lineup blends experience, power, versatility, and depth. Each player’s unique strengths complement one another, creating a cohesive unit capable of handling the pressures of playoff baseball. Their collective contributions will be crucial in determining the Red Sox’s success in the postseason.

Boston Red Sox: Outfielders

As the Boston Red Sox gear up for their postseason run, the outfield lineup has become a focal point. With rookie sensation Roman Anthony sidelined due to injury, the team has turned to a seasoned and dynamic group. Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu, and Rob Refsnyder have been selected to fill the outfield spots, bringing a mix of power, speed, and experience.

Rafaela has been a revelation this season, boasting a .247 batting average, 16 home runs, and 63 RBIs. His defensive prowess and versatility make him a key asset in the outfield. Duran, with a .257 average, 16 home runs, and 83 RBIs, adds depth and consistency to the lineup. Yoshida, known for his disciplined approach, has a .266 average and a .683 OPS, providing stability in the middle of the order. Abreu has contributed 22 home runs and 69 RBIs, offering a power threat from the right side. Refsnyder, with a .269 average and .838 OPS, brings veteran leadership and clutch hitting to the team.

Together, this outfield group combines for over 80 home runs and 200 RBIs, creating a formidable presence at the plate. Their ability to cover ground defensively and contribute offensively will be crucial in the high-pressure postseason environment. While Anthony’s absence is a setback, the depth and versatility of this outfield unit provide the Red Sox with a strong foundation as they aim for postseason success.

In the absence of Anthony, the Red Sox have not only maintained but enhanced their outfield strength. The combination of youth and experience in Rafaela, Duran, Yoshida, Abreu, and Refsnyder offers a balanced and potent lineup. Their collective contributions will be pivotal as the Red Sox look to make a deep run in the postseason. With this outfield, the team has the potential to turn games in its favor and advance through the playoffs.

The Red Sox’s outfield depth reflects meticulous planning and development, giving the lineup adaptability and strategic versatility. Each player brings unique skills, blending power, speed, and experience, which creates an unpredictable yet cohesive unit. Even without Roman Anthony, this group provides both stability and dynamic impact, elevating the team’s potential in high-pressure situations. Their combined talent and determination give Boston a legitimate chance to compete for the World Series championship this October.

Alex Cora has built a team that balances talent, depth, and postseason poise perfectly. Come October, opposing pitchers will quickly learn that Boston’s outfield depth is both relentless and unforgiving