Red Sox Join Exclusive Company With MLB Network Position Rankings
MLB Network is officially done ranking its top 10 players at every position for the 2026 season, and the Boston Red Sox are in good company.
Two Red Sox players ranked No. 1 at their respective positions: Jarren Duran in left field and Aroldis Chapman among relief pitchers. Boston also had the No. 2 left fielder in Roman Anthony.
The Red Sox are one of only two teams with multiple players ranked No. 1. The other was the Seattle Mariners, who had Cal Raleigh at catcher and Julio Rodriguez in center field.
That’s a good sign for Boston. While both teams made the playoffs last year, the Mariners had a better record and were one win away from reaching the World Series.
The Red Sox have one of the best outfields in baseball thanks to Duran and Anthony. Duran was an MVP candidate two years ago and played at an All-Star level last year despite some regression. Meanwhile, Anthony is coming off a historic rookie season and could be even better this year.
Chapman is also coming off a historic season and was the most dominant closer in baseball last year, winning the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award after posting the best ERA (1.17) of his career.
Chapman is heading into his age-38 season, however, so it may be difficult for him to replicate those numbers this year.
As for Seattle, Raleigh is unquestionably the best-hitting catcher in baseball after smashing 60 home runs and knocking in 125 runs last season. He was the AL MVP runner-up to New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge.
Rodriguez has been one of MLB’s best all-around players since debuting in 2022, making three All-Star teams and recording four straight 20/20 seasons. He’s also had a pair of 30/30 campaigns, including last year.
Both teams are expected to compete for a playoff spot this year, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see these two clubs meet up in the postseason.