ESPN’s Paul Hembekides Explains What Could Doom Red Sox Offense In 2026 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox’s No. 9 spot in ESPN’s latest MLB power rankings was a result of the opinion of multiple writers. ESPN’s Paul Hembekides had the lowest opinion of the Red Sox’s 2026 prospects among these writers, personally ranking the Sox at No. 13. Hembekides explained his decision on Tuesday.
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“FanGraphs projects the Red Sox to score 4.6 runs per game, and I’m taking the under,” Hembekides wrote. “They have only two hitters I can promise will post an above-average batting line against both sides of the platoon — Roman Anthony and Willson Contreras. And that’s because I see potential land mines.”
“What if Trevor Story doesn’t outperform his underlying metrics again (.741 OPS, .684 deserved OPS)?” Hembekides continued. “What if Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu don’t improve against lefties (.618 combined OPS)? What if Carlos Narvaez hits like he did after the All-Star break (.619 OPS)? For Boston to score enough to hang with the Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles, several low-probability bets need to cash.”
Contreras hasn’t been hitting through the first four games, lending credence to Hembo’s take. At the same time, Abreu has been on fire so far this year. It’s still way too early to make any sound evaluations. With 158 more games to go, Boston will look to get back in the win column on Tuesday nght at Daikin Park.
More MLB: Meet the New Red Sox: What’s Changed — and Why It Matters in 2026