Where will the Red Sox's home run power come from in 2026? Alex Cora identifies one 'game-changer'
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox's quest for home run power in 2026 has taken an intriguing turn. After initially targeting big-hitting outfielders like Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, the team shifted focus to bolstering their pitching and defense, acquiring Ranger Suárez and Sonny Gray. This strategic pivot led to the trade for Caleb Durbin, Willson Contreras, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who collectively hit just 31 homers in 2025. Despite this, the Red Sox remain confident in their ability to adapt and evolve.
"We have to adapt to the market and work backwards from creating the roster that gives us the best chance of winning as many games as possible," said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. "It’s important that we adapt and evolve as options become available to us or we’re able to pursue them."
The 2025 Red Sox ranked 15th in baseball with 186 homers, with Trevor Story leading the way at 25. However, the team's power-hitting prospects for 2026 are a topic of interest. While Contreras' ability to pull the ball in the air at Fenway is expected to help, Durbin's untapped power potential is also a factor. The Red Sox are counting on improvements from within, with players like Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas showing potential.
"We feel confident that there is going to be power that emerges from the group that we have," Breslow said. "Getting a full healthy season out of Roman and Willy. We know Willson Contreras has been an offensive threat in the lineup, been in lineups for a number of years, and feel like he’s a particularly good fit for our park given the changes to his offensive profile over the last year or two."
The X-factor in the power equation is Wilyer Abreu, who looked poised for a monster homer total in 2025 but slowed down significantly after June 1. In 2026, Abreu is expected to start in right field against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers, and Cora has been impressed with his early camp performance.
"Willy, healthy, I hate to say it, but that’s kind of like the game-changer," Cora said. "When Willy was in the lineup healthy, that bottom third of the lineup was a good one. Carlos was doing the things he was doing but Willy was hitting the ball out of the ballpark."
The Red Sox's new identity as a team anchored by pitching and defense is evident in their recent pursuits of strong defenders over available sluggers. This strategic shift is expected to lead to a different-looking roster as camp opens, with a real question as to where the power will come from in 2026. The team's focus on situational hitting and cashing in on opportunities is expected to play a crucial role in their success.
