Red Sox's Willson Contreras Lays Down Gauntlet for 3 Young Teammates

Contreras sees power potential in Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony, and Marcelo Mayer

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Willson Contreras, the Boston Red Sox's new three-time All-Star catcher-turned-first-baseman, expressed confidence in three of the team's young offensive talents - center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, and rookies Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. Contreras believes Rafaela, Anthony, and Mayer can significantly increase their power numbers in 2026 after combining for 28 home runs in 2025.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are counting heavily on Contreras, Rafaela, Anthony, and Mayer to help bolster their offense this season after failing to land a bigger offensive addition in the offseason. Contreras' public endorsement of the young trio's power potential could provide a boost in confidence and motivation for the players.

The details

Contreras singled out Rafaela, Anthony, and Mayer as candidates to hit more home runs in 2026 than they did in 2025. Rafaela hit 16 home runs last season, while Anthony and Mayer added 8 and 2 respectively, despite limited playing time. Contreras believes the young players have impressive power already and will continue to develop it further.

  • In 2025, Rafaela hit 16 home runs, Anthony hit 8, and Mayer hit 2.
  • Contreras made these comments on Saturday during his first in-uniform session with the media as a member of the Red Sox.

The players

Willson Contreras

A three-time All-Star catcher-turned-first-baseman who was the Red Sox's biggest offensive addition of the winter.

Ceddanne Rafaela

The Red Sox's center fielder who hit 16 home runs in 2025.

Roman Anthony

A Red Sox rookie in 2025 who hit 8 home runs despite limited playing time.

Marcelo Mayer

A Red Sox rookie in 2025 who hit 2 home runs despite limited playing time.

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What they’re saying

“I think he can add some more power. I think of course Roman Anthony is there. Marcelo Mayer is there. I think it's really impressive how they go through their business and how much power they have already, even though they're young. I think with the future, they're going to add a lot more.”

— Willson Contreras, Red Sox First Baseman (MassLive)

What’s next

The Red Sox will be closely monitoring the power development of Rafaela, Anthony, and Mayer throughout the 2026 season to see if they can fulfill Contreras' prediction of a significant increase in home run production.

The takeaway

Contreras' public endorsement of the young Red Sox trio's power potential could provide a much-needed boost in confidence and motivation for the players as the team looks to the future. The Red Sox are counting heavily on these young offensive talents to help improve their overall offensive production this season.