Red Sox's best hitters this year aren't even in the starting lineup

Red Sox's best hitters this year aren't even in the starting lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's no secret that the Boston Red Sox are going through some major struggles this season. With their pitching staff depleted due to injuries and their offense being incredibly lackluster, the 2026 season has been a disaster so far.

But not everything is terrible for the Red Sox. They actually have one facet of their offense that's performing well.

However, as Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report highlighted, their best hitter isn't actually in the lineup this year, as the team's most productive batter is whoever is pinch-hitting for the team this season.

Red Sox's most productive hitter is a pinch-hitter

"Boston Red Sox: Best hitters have been pinch hitters," Miller writes. "For the Red Sox, though, pinch hitters have had the most reliable bats, hitting .318 with an .875 OPS, which is better than any of the starting spots in their lineup."

The Red Sox offense has been severely underwhelming this season, but when the team pinch-hits this year, things typically go well.

Roman Anthony hit a homer after pinch-hitting this season, while and , among others, have produced in this role for Boston in 2026.