Red Sox's Willson Contreras joins elite franchise list

Contreras reaches base 30 times in first 15 games, matching Red Sox legends David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the teams in action, capturing the energy and movement of the sport in an abstract, deconstructed style.Contreras' hot start with the Red Sox has him joining elite company in franchise history, as the team looks to turn around its slow start to the season.Boston Today

In his first 15 games with the Boston Red Sox, first baseman Willson Contreras has proven to be a valuable acquisition, reaching base 30 times and joining elite company in franchise history alongside David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Kevin Youkilis. Contreras is hitting .302 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs, ranking among the team's top hitters despite the Red Sox's slow 6-9 start to the season.

Why it matters

The Red Sox were counting on Contreras to provide a spark in the middle of their lineup after acquiring him in the offseason, and so far he has delivered, putting up impressive numbers that put him in the same conversation as some of the greatest hitters in franchise history like Ortiz and Ramirez.

The details

Through his first 15 games with the Red Sox, Contreras has reached base 30 times, joining Ortiz, Ramirez and Youkilis as the only players in Boston history to hit that threshold. He is hitting .302 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs, ranking tied for first on the team in home runs and RBIs and third in batting average among players with at least 10 games played.

  • Contreras reached the 30-times-on-base milestone in his first 15 games with the Red Sox.

The players

Willson Contreras

A three-time All-Star and World Series champion who was acquired by the Red Sox in the offseason to provide a spark in the middle of their lineup.

David Ortiz

A legendary Red Sox slugger who is considered one of the greatest hitters in franchise history.

Manny Ramirez

Another iconic Red Sox hitter who, along with Ortiz, formed one of the most feared middle-of-the-order duos in MLB history.

Kevin Youkilis

A former Red Sox first baseman and third baseman who was known for his on-base ability and gritty play.

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What’s next

As the Red Sox try to make a march for the playoffs, they will need Contreras to continue producing at a high level and avoid any potential cooling off period.

The takeaway

Contreras' hot start with the Red Sox has put him in elite company in franchise history, joining the likes of Ortiz and Ramirez as players who have reached base 30 times in their first 15 games. If he can sustain this level of production, he could cement his status as a key acquisition for the Red Sox as they look to turn around their slow start to the season.