BOSTON – Just when fans thought legend David Ortiz would only appear on talk shows or charity events, the “Big Papi” once again shook the baseball community with his candid remarks about the future of the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2026 season, causing a stir in MLB.

In an interview with the Boston Herald, Ortiz – considered one of the greatest clutch hitters in history with 3 World Series championships and 10 All-Star appearances in his 20-year career – shared his sharp assessments of his former team and set high expectations: the Red Sox will be much stronger than many imagine ahead of the new season.

When asked if the Red Sox roster was truly competitive next year, Ortiz responded with a surprisingly confident statement that surprised many experts:

“I think we’re much better than people think. With the pitchers they have, we don’t need to score 10 points every game to win.”

That wasn’t just unfounded optimism. Big Papi was analyzing the strategy in terms of “total war”: the Red Sox have focused on pitching, with additions like Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo to increase the depth of rotation.

Ortiz emphasized that with well-controlled pitching, the Red Sox would have an advantage over teams with strong offenses, because “good pitching will make the opponent work twice as hard to score.”

This was immediately noted by analysts as a statement “questioning the bookmakers’ predictions”—because previously, many betting sites had rated the Red Sox as underdogs against some of their AL East rivals.

David Ortiz, nicknamed Big Papi, is not only an icon of the Red Sox with 541 home runs and 1,768 RBIs in his career, but also a man of winning mentality. His iconic October games are remembered not only for his powerful swing, but also for his ability to inspire his teammates and fans.

Now, with his insightful preseason commentary, Ortiz is acting as an unofficial “spiritual advisor,” pushing his former team even harder. When he says things are better than expected, it’s a way to rekindle confidence both internally and off the field—where young players are eager to prove themselves.

Ortiz specifically praised the Red Sox’s pitching system, considering it the foundation for the team’s success in a long MLB season. This statement immediately forced fans and analysts to view the Red Sox from a new perspective.

Under the current coaching staff, Boston’s pitching staff focuses not only on innings but also on ball control, a quality that has helped many championship-winning teams throughout history. That’s why Big Papi believes the team doesn’t need a “rain of home runs” every game. When opponents succumb to clever pitching, victories will come consistently.

This is a truly worthwhile strategic perspective, especially for a team still seeking to balance offense and defense effectively.

Following Ortiz’s statement, the mood of Red Sox fans changed significantly. On online forums, fans began discussing heatedly:

“If Big Papi believes in pitching, then I believe in it too!”

“He knows the Red Sox’s DNA better than anyone.”

“This time we’re not just underdogs anymore.”

Many fans also recalled memories of 2004, 2007, and 2013 — when the Red Sox broke through in October and won the World Series — to reinforce their belief that the team could repeat its glory.

Beyond just psychology, Ortiz’s assessment could influence the Red Sox’s actual strategy for next season:

Focus on pitching rather than chasing home runs

Encourage a flexible lineup instead of relying on a few stars

Build a game-control style of play

These are all factors that championship teams often prioritize — and now Ortiz reaffirms them with unwavering belief.

David Ortiz is more than just a legendary player. He’s an icon of winning strategy. When he says the team is “much better than many people think,” it’s not just encouragement—it’s a challenge the Red Sox must answer with a real performance.

With the 2026 season fast approaching, Boston isn’t just going into their first game. They’re going into it with the belief ignited by one of the franchise’s greatest legends.

And when Big Papi believes—all of Fenway Park will listen.