Why Sogard should continue to hit leadoff for Red Sox when Anthony returns

Boston Red Sox second baseman Nick Sogard. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why Nick Sogard should continue to hit leadoff for Red Sox when Roman Anthony returns

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 24, 2026 2:53 PM ET

Nick Sogard has excelled as a leadoff hitter for the Boston Red Sox, sporting a slash line of .287/.401/.426 with an .827 OPS across 35 games.

But with Roman Anthony expected to make his return to the lineup in late August/early September, will this shift Sogard out of the leadoff spot? If Sogard continues to be productive with his bat, it would be logical to leave him at the top of the batting order.

Anthony is progressing well with his rehab and played four games in his Double-A Portland stint, going 3-for-11 with a home run, a double and three RBI. His next step is to advance his rehab with Triple-A Worchester.

Since he's been sidelined since early May, it would likely benefit him batting in the 2-3 hole where he can drive in more runs or even lower in the lineup to help ease him back. Additionally, it also places less pressure on him as he adjusts from his lengthy absence.

Morning discussion:

Should Nick Sogard remain as the leadoff hitter once Roman Anthony returns? pic.twitter.com/RmFjxlO4z9
— John Martinello (@martinello_john) August 24, 2026

Why Nick Sogard's dominance should be enough to keep him as leadoff hitter

While Anthony is viewed as the team's primary leadoff hitter, as the old saying goes, ''if it ain't broke, don't fix it.''

Sogard has been batting .423 in his last seven games with two home runs and 11 hits and .339 in his last 15 games, providing reliable production as the Red Sox continue to secure second place in the AL wild-card standings.

Sogard has also recorded 11 extra-base hits, 19 runs, a 130 wRC+ and a .396 on-base percentage, ultimately illustrating how he's found his rhythm. As well, since being recalled in the end of July, his 130 wRC+ is the fifth-best on the Red Sox, and he also owns a 18.1 K% and 17.1 BB%.

In the Red Sox's 3-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Aug. 22, Sogard provided a game-typing RBI double with a 105.9 exit velocity off his bat. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy commented on Sogard's dominance following the Red Sox's victory and stated, "He plays the game like he's a step ahead."

He is making his mark and has given Tracy plenty of reasons to keep him in the everyday lineup.

Across his last nine consecutive starts, the 28-year-old switch-hitter has not only boasted an incredible 1.185 OPS during this stretch, but he has also provided elite solid defense with no errors at second-base.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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