Alex Cora Reveals Red Sox’s Cleanup Hitter

While the Boston Red Sox are still looking to add an impact bat to their lineup, Alex Cora is already putting the lineup together in his head.

Cora has not finalized the lineup or decided which players will hit in which spots regularly, but he seems to have one piece of the puzzle figured out. According to Sean McAdam, Cora plans on having Willson Contreras in the cleanup spot.

“I know Willson will probably hit fourth,” Cora said at Fenway Fest on Saturday, per McAdam, “I know that one.”

It’s no surprise Cora wants Contreras hitting fourth. He was added with the idea that he can bring more power to the lineup. Contreras is a three-time All-Star with 172 career home runs. Additionally, he hits well with runners in scoring position.

Last season, with runners in scoring position, he slashed .279/.329/.441. With runners in scoring position and two outs, he slashed .344/.408/.563. Having him hit behind guys who can get on base will give the Red Sox offense a real boost.

He hit cleanup in 76 games last season. He had an .846 OPS in the cleanup spot. As a team last season, the Red Sox had a .687 OPS in the fourth spot of the batting order. The top three spots in their lineup got on base at a .350 clip, so Contreras should have plenty of opportunities to hit with men on base.

The Red Sox have other stars in the lineup as well, but Contreras was clearly acquired to bring some power from the right side, and he is a clear upgrade in the cleanup spot.

“Willson’s going to bring a lot,” said Cora, per McAdam. “He hits the ball hard. It’s a good at-bat. He drives the ball to right-center, but last year, he pulled the ball a little more than usual, which is awesome for us.”