Reds vs. Red Sox: Opening Day Lineup May Feature a Surprise Twist
The Cincinnati Reds will open the 2026 season in Boston against the Red Sox. Manager Terry Francona confirmed Andrew Abbott as the team’s Opening Day starter. Cincinnati will face Boston lefty Garrett Crochet in the series opener.
Garrett Crochet’s 2025 resume
Crochet finished second in AL Cy Young voting last season. He trailed Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Crochet posted an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA.
He led the league with 255 strikeouts. Crochet started 32 games and threw more than 200 innings. He also earned his second straight All-Star selection.
Reds’ likely approach and lineup clues
Facing a southpaw ace, Francona will likely stack right-handed bats. The matchup could shape Cincinnati’s Opening Day lineup decisions. Managers often prefer right-handed-heavy groups against lefties like Crochet.
TJ Friedl remains in the leadoff conversation despite the left-handed starter. Friedl reached base 33 percent of the time against left-handers in 2025. Francona has given him more time in left field during spring training.
Dane Myers also figures into the regular outfield mix. Myers has strong career splits against lefties, hitting .297/.360/.456. That profile gives him an edge for a starting role.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Left Field | TJ Friedl |
| 2B | Matt McLain |
| SS | Elly De La Cruz |
| DH | Eugenio Suárez |
| Right Field | Spencer Steer |
| 1B | Sal Stewart |
| C | Tyler Stephenson |
| Center Field | Dane Myers |
| 3B | Ke’Bryan Hayes |
Outfield puzzle and the potential surprise twist
The third outfield spot remains the most debated. Noelvi Marte has earned praise for his work in the outfield this spring.
But Marte has struggled against left-handed pitching in the majors. Since 2023, he owns a .595 OPS versus lefties. His OPS versus southpaws fell to .562 last season.
Spencer Steer presents a safer matchup option against a lefty. He carries a career OPS near .800 against left-handed pitchers. In 2025, Steer recorded a .727 OPS versus southpaws.
Steer’s defensive versatility increases his value. He has played multiple outfield spots during spring action. Expect him to receive regular innings and a starting nod on Opening Day.
The Reds vs. Red Sox Opening Day matchup will test Cincinnati’s strategic choices. Look for Francona to prioritize matchups when finalizing his lineup. Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
