Boston’s presence on ESPN’s MLB player rankings remained sizable, even as the Red Sox roster shifts continue to reshape the club’s pecking order. In ESPN’s April top 100, five Red Sox were listed: Rafael Devers at 25, Jarren Duran at 36, Garrett Crochet at 37, Alex Bregman at 47, and Triston Casas at 97. With summer rankings pared down to the top 50, Boston is now represented by two players: Crochet rockets up to No. 10, while Bregman sits at No. 49. The in-season list also features the game’s biggest names: Shohei Ohtani at No. 2, Tarik Skubal at No. 3, Paul Skenes at No. 6, and Zack Wheeler at No. 9.
The rankings underscore a changing dynamic in Boston. Buster Olney, writing for ESPN, highlighted Crochet as a potential AL Cy Young contender if Skubal isn’t victorious this year. He noted that Crochet is 26, three years removed from Tommy John surgery, and locked into a six-year, $170 million deal signed in the spring. That contract ensures Boston has its likely No. 1 starter for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Devers is no longer a member of the Red Sox or among the top 50 players in the eyes of MLB experts, while Duran has slipped out of the top 50 after a solid but uneven 2025 campaign. Bregman, the other major offseason addition alongside Crochet, has largely delivered on expectations. Olney pointed to Bregman’s standout offense this season—his highest slugging percentage (.541) since 2019 and a potential .300 batting average—for the first time in his career, suggesting the 31-year-old could command substantial offers on the free-agent market again this winter. The Red Sox have valued having him in the middle of the order, and there’s ongoing chatter about a longer-term deal, though there’s also consideration of him fitting other teams if a change occurs.
Casas, however, has endured an unfortunate setback. He suffered a knee injury in May that is widely considered likely to be season-ending, leaving him unranked on ESPN’s current list and a notable absence from the top 50 this season.
What this means for the Red Sox going forward is a blend of opportunity and challenge. Crochet’s rise to ace status provides a sturdy foundation for Boston’s rotation as the team contends in a competitive league. Bregman’s continued production gives the lineup a reliable catalyst behind the franchise’s latest core group. The departure of Devers creates a void at the corner of the infield, and Casas’ injury removes a promising young bat from the mix for 2025, at least in the short term. Still, the organization’s assets—Crochet’s ace potential, Bregman’s steady offensive output, and the depth of its farm system—offer a bright outlook if the team can navigate contracts, recover Casas’ health, and continue to cultivate emerging contributors.
Summary: ESPN’s April top 100 and the in-season top 50 reflect a Red Sox lineup that remains strong in talent but faces turnover and injuries. Crochet’s ascent positions him as a franchise foundation, Bregman’s performance reinforces a potent middle of the order, Devers’ exit reshapes the star power in Boston, Duran’s drop underscores the volatility of the roster, and Casas’ injury leaves a gap in youth coming through the system. If the team can maintain health and keep key players engaged, Boston still has a path toward a competitive season and potentially longer-term success.
Additional note: The current rankings reinforce the importance of the team’s financial and roster decisions this offseason. If Boston can extend or retool around Crochet and Bregman while integrating emerging talents, the Red Sox may remain a persistent threat in a crowded standings landscape. Positive momentum from Crochet’s ceiling and Bregman’s consistent production could help offset the loss of Devers and the setback Casas suffered, providing a hopeful tone for fans going forward.