The Boston Red Sox are looking to compete during the upcoming 2026 MLB season. Boston made a number of moves this past offseason, including bringing in players such as Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez. Although the Sox did lose third basemanAlex Bregman in MLB free agency, manager Alex Cora still believes in the team’s roster.
“We got a good baseball team, we do,” Cora told reporters Monday. “You gotta give credit to the front office… We got some good players. It’s a different roster than last year, it’s a different year. Ironic enough, and I can say it, I feel like we have a more complete team than last year.
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“Now, it’s just a matter of go out there and work. See how the pieces fit. Overall, a lot of talent, young talent, good athletes.”
Cora believes in the Red Sox’s roster. He admitted that it is a “different roster” than last year, but he feels like it is a more complete all-around team. Boston was competitive a season ago, but now Cora and the Sox are hoping to make a deeper postseason run.
Alex Cora, Red Sox Ready for Deeper Playoff Run
Jul 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) stands in the dugout during the eighth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
(Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images)
The Red Sox reached the postseason in 2025 as an American League Wild Card ball club. The New York Yankees defeated the Red Sox in the Wild Card round 2-1, however.
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Things will not get any easier in 2026. Last season, three AL East teams reached the playoffs, as the Toronto Blue Jays made it all the way to the World Series before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a riveting Fall Classic. This year, the Blue Jays, Yankees and Red Sox all expect to make playoff runs. Following a forgettable 2025 season, the Baltimore Orioles expect to compete and make a run as well. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays could surprise people with a strong year as well.
The AL East may be the best division in baseball. It features at least four teams that could realistically make serious postseason runs this year.
The heavy competition will be a challenge. Cora’s comments suggest he believes the Red Sox can meet their expectations despite the circumstances, however. Boston will begin its 2026 journey soon with spring training right around the corner.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.