This is what a Red Sox lineup could look like with Juan Soto in it

Here’s what a Red Sox lineup could look like with Juan Soto in it originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

We don’t use the term “generational talent” loosely, but Juan Soto certainly qualifies.

Still just 26 years old, Soto already owns a batting title and a World Series ring, and he just had the best season of his career with the Yankees.

He would bring instant credibility to any lineup, and as the Red Sox remain in the running for his services, it’s a worthwhile exercise to explore how manager Alex Cora might deploy this perennial MVP candidate in a new batting order that would be immediately centered . around this modern version of David Ortiz.

1. Jarren Duran, CF

Duran just finished eighth in AL MVP voting after leading the league in doubles and triples. While one might wonder if 2024 was a true breakout or a blip in the Eighth War, the Red Sox could safely bet on the former as Duran had hinted at this kind of production in 2023 before a freak injury ended his season.

Since Mookie Betts in 2019, the Red Sox have not been able to land a leadoff hitter as dynamic as Duran.

2. Rafael Devers, 3B

While this is where Soto spent most of last year in New York, it’s also where Devers did most of his damage in the order. And while there will come a time when the Red Sox need to stop making decisions based on Devers’ feelings, it’s also true that his comfort is important, and for Soto to likely thrive.

3. Juan Soto, L.F

And now the transformation. The Red Sox certainly weren’t a bad offensive team last year; they finished third in the American League in points. Even if they did nothing else, Soto could single-handedly create another 800-run offense.

Mark him up for 125 to 150 walks, 30 to 40 home runs and a penchant for the dramatic that has made him a lifelong .326 hitter in the World Series. He was the Nationals’ best hitter at age 20 when they won it all in 2019, and unlike teammate Aaron Judge, he didn’t do that against the Dodgers last October.

Soto has all the mental and physical tools to anchor a lineup for a decade. It appears the Red Sox are willing to pay for that level of security.

4. Trevor Story, SS

After three left-handed hitters, we need a right-hander. The story is the best guess, but it’s still a guess. The Red Sox have little to show for their $140 million investment so far thanks to injuries, but if Story can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a long-term offensive presence, as he proved in a 32-RBI May in 2022 .

No one on the team works harder and Story wants to take on a leadership role. But it will take a full season, and at 32 years old, he may not have that in him.

5. Triston Casas, 1B

From a pure talent perspective, Casas should be busy cleaning up. Everything about him screams it, from his colossal stature to his miraculous strength. With Casas once again being a left-handed bat in a lineup full, Cora will likely look to create separation.

There is talk of trading Casas for pitching, but that feels shortsighted. He has 40 home runs waiting for him, and he doesn’t turn 25 until January.

6. Masataka Yoshida, DH

The Red Sox can do better than Yoshida as a designated hitter, and they should explore ways to dump him, even if that means eating up a large chunk of the roughly $55 million remaining on his deal.

In a perfect world, they would move him to make room for Devers or Casas at DH before getting a defensive upgrade at third base. But spending $600 million on Soto could prevent them from finding the right fit and thus maintaining the status quo.

7. Kristian Campbell, 2B

Alright, vaunted group of prospects, it’s time to go. The first guy could actually be Campbell, last year’s breakout star who transformed from a relatively unremarkable fourth-rounder to an overall top 10 prospect.

While scouts are divided on his ability to stay in the infield long-term, Campbell’s right-handed bat lands most neatly at second base. Campbell rocketed through three levels last year, finishing at Triple-A. The next stop is Boston.

8. Roman Anthony, RF

The consensus is that Anthony needs more minor league seasoning, but let’s assume the Red Sox trade Gold Glove right fielder Wilyer Abreu for pitching to create another outfield opening. While it certainly could go to Campbell, why treat Anthony with kid gloves?

He is Baseball America’s No. 1 overall prospect and has already spent parts of two seasons at Double-A. He’s only 20, but that hasn’t stopped other organizations from drafting their top prospects. The Brewers gave Jackson Chourio 148 games this year at age 20, and he ended up earning MVP votes.

9. Connor Wong, C

Everyone on the Kyle Teel train needs to remind themselves that the Red Sox already have a decent young catcher on the roster.

While it’s true that Wong faded badly after a borderline All-Star first half, it’s also true that the 28-year-old is one of the most athletic catchers in the game, with 20 home run potential. Unlike Teel, he is also right-handed and the setup needs some balance.