It has not been a secret that the Red Sox have had a bit of an outfield logjam over the last couple of years.
Entering 2026, the Red Sox have Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Masataka Yoshida all looking for playing time in Boston. You can also factor in Nate Eaton and Kristian Campbell too, who are both on the 40-man roster and are capable options in the outfield.
Where does that leave one of the hottest bats in Spring Training in Braiden Ward?
Ward has caught the social media world by storm with his elite speed that saw him break the Grapefruit League stolen base record. His bat has stayed relatively hot this spring as well. Unfortunately, even with swinging it well at the plate, Ward knows it might not be enough.
"These guys are all off representing their countries in the WBC and are all very good players," Ward told Baseball Now. "You have two gold glovers out there to begin with. Masataka is killing it right now. Ceddanne is swinging it well. Jarren is a big home run hitter now. Roman is being Roman. You also have Eaton is swinging it out there. Campbell is doing his thing here in camp. I don't know how I am going to get out there. But, at the end of the day, I'm just doing what I know how to do and what I can do. If I suck, I know it's not going to matter. They will just go find someone else to replace me with. I just have to let the chips fall where they may because I am not going to play over those guys because they are absolutely disgusting."
The 27-year-old has also logged 52 career games at second base during his minor league career, which includes the six games he appeared there in 2025. While it isn't his primary position, Ward noted he "would hold up just fine" if he is suiting it up in the infield.