Lenin Sosa’s elite fastball contact and 22-homer year put him in a legitimate 1B vs Bell debate for 2026, despite a rough walk rate and limited defensive value at first. Bell’s cheaper, more traditional DH-friendly profile complicates the decision, but Sosa’s age and upside tilt the scale toward in-house growth. They also brainstorm in-house options (Teal, Caro) and potential roster pivots, including using pitching spend more efficiently than a big-first-base splash.

Beyond the 1B question, the discussion dives into the Sox’ second-half adjustments against fastballs, vertical-tilt concepts, and the impact on lineup construction. The show closes with a lighthearted trivia quiz about four-game homer streaks, underscoring how depth pieces and depth charts will shape 2026 projections.