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Boston has several key roster decisions to make as Opening Day approaches, including who will start at second base, who will back up Connor Wong at catcher, whether manager Alex Cora will use a six-man rotation, and how the bullpen will take shape.

With spring training underway, this is an early attempt at predicting the 26-man roster the Red Sox will bring to Texas for their March 27 season opener.

Catchers (2): Connor Wong, Carlos Narvaez

Wong is locked in as the starting catcher, especially after the Red Sox traded top prospect Kyle Teel to the White Sox in December. He had a strong first half offensively last season but is looking to improve his blocking skills in 2025.

Narvaez, who made his MLB debut with the Yankees last year, is the leading candidate for the backup role, primarily due to his strong defensive skills. However, Blake Sabol, who brings more offensive upside and has 121 career games with the Giants, remains a contender for the spot.

First Baseman (1): Triston Casas

Despite offseason trade speculation, Casas remains a key part of Boston’s plans. The left-handed slugger aims to rebound after missing four months last season with torn cartilage in his left rib cage. If he can return to the form that earned him a third-place finish in the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year race, he’ll be a major force in the Red Sox lineup.

Second Basemen (2): Vaughn Grissom, Pablo Reyes

Grissom, acquired from the Braves in the Chris Sale trade, is the frontrunner for the starting second base job. The Red Sox believe his bat will translate well over a full season, though his defense remains a work in progress.

Reyes provides versatility and steady defense, making him a reliable backup option. His ability to play multiple infield positions could be valuable if Grissom struggles or if Cora opts for defensive substitutions late in games.

Outfielders (4): Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder

Duran solidified himself as a dynamic offensive and defensive presence in 2024 and will remain the team’s primary leadoff hitter while splitting time between left and center field.

Rafaela is expected to be the everyday center fielder, but his versatility allows him to contribute at second base, shortstop, and third base if needed.

Abreu, fresh off a Gold Glove-winning rookie season in right field, will look to build on his defensive prowess while striving for more consistency at the plate.

Refsnyder will continue his role as a platoon bat, providing value against left-handed pitching while offering depth across the outfield.

Designated Hitter (1): Masataka Yoshida

As he enters his third MLB season, Yoshida is determined to reach his full potential after an inconsistent start to his big-league career. The left-handed hitter is recovering from right shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, where he will look to provide a steady presence in the Red Sox lineup.

Bench/Utility (2): David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez

Hamilton’s elite speed and improved bat make him a valuable depth piece. He can play both middle infield spots and is expected to see some time in center field this season.

Gonzalez had an underrated 2024 campaign off the bench and provides the Red Sox with a solid right-handed bat, particularly against left-handed pitching. His defensive versatility adds to his value.

Starting Pitchers (6): Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford

With 19 games in 20 days to open the season, the Red Sox are likely to roll with a six-man rotation.

Crochet, acquired from the White Sox, gives Boston the ace it lacked last year. Houck and Bello should continue their development without the burden of carrying the rotation.

Meanwhile, Buehler and Giolito bring veteran experience, helping to stabilize the group, while Crawford rounds out the staff after a strong 2024 season.

Relief Pitchers (7): Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Wilson, Greg Weissert, Josh Winckowski

Hendriks enters camp as the slight favorite to close, though Slaten and the flamethrowing Chapman could challenge for the role.

Whitlock will be a key multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen, while Wilson, Weissert, and Winckowski provide depth in middle relief.

The final spots remain up for grabs, with arms like Brennan Bernardino and Luis Guerrero competing for a place on the Opening Day roster.