Red Sox Newcomer Contreras Draws Manny Ramirez Comparisons

Willson Contreras' first home run swing for the Boston Red Sox evokes memories of the team's legendary slugger.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:57pm

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Willson Contreras, the newest member of the Boston Red Sox, hit a towering opposite-field home run in a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The swing immediately drew comparisons to Red Sox great Manny Ramirez, who was known for his powerful right-center gap shots at Fenway Park. While the team's color analyst cautioned against expecting Contreras to match Ramirez's Hall of Fame-caliber production, the newcomer embraced the comparison, calling Ramirez the "greatest hitter" he saw growing up.

Why it matters

Manny Ramirez is one of the most iconic players in Red Sox history, known for his prodigious power and larger-than-life personality. If Contreras can channel even a fraction of Ramirez's hitting prowess, it would be a huge boost for the Red Sox as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026.

The details

In his first spring training game with the Red Sox, Willson Contreras hit a towering opposite-field home run that immediately drew comparisons to Manny Ramirez's signature swing. Red Sox color analyst Lou Merloni, who played with Ramirez, noted the similarities in Contreras' high finish and hand positioning. Contreras acknowledged the comparison, saying he's a "big fan" of Ramirez and that people have told him he looks like the Hall of Famer when he finishes high on home runs.

  • Contreras hit the home run on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 during a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.
  • Merloni made the Ramirez comparison and spoke to Contreras about it immediately after the game on Tuesday.

The players

Willson Contreras

The newest member of the Boston Red Sox, known for his powerful right-handed swing that has drawn comparisons to Manny Ramirez.

Manny Ramirez

A 12-time MLB All-Star and Boston Red Sox legend, known for his prodigious power and iconic right-center gap home runs at Fenway Park.

Lou Merloni

A former MLB player who played with Manny Ramirez on the Red Sox and is now a color analyst for the team.

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What they’re saying

“A couple of people told me that when I finish high on a homer, that I look like Manny Ramirez. I love when they say that, because it's really fun to be compared with a Hall-of-Fame type career.”

— Willson Contreras

“To me, he's the greatest hitter that I saw growing up, so I'm a really big fan of him. He knows that. We spent some time together with the (Chicago) Cubs back in 2015. We've been in touch.”

— Willson Contreras

“I'd just to get ahead of the commentary. He is not Manny Ramirez. I would never put that on anyone. I don't expect him to hit 35 (home runs) and drive in 135. BUT his swing does look a lot like his. Hands, leg kick, high finish. Fans are going to like him.”

— Lou Merloni, Red Sox Color Analyst (Twitter)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to monitor Willson Contreras' performance throughout spring training as he looks to earn a starting role with the team.

The takeaway

While it may be unrealistic to expect Willson Contreras to match Manny Ramirez's Hall of Fame-caliber production, the newcomer's powerful swing that evokes memories of the Red Sox legend has already endeared him to the team's passionate fanbase. If Contreras can channel even a fraction of Ramirez's hitting prowess, it could be a major boost for the Red Sox in 2026.