Is the Rangers opening series against the Red Sox a potential ALCS preview?

For my prediction to start 2025, I am putting the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers in my ALCS.

Both of these teams have been trendy "under the radar" picks to make it to the World Series in 2025 as they have the roster construction and coaching to go on a run and contend for the American League Pennant.

Here are three reasons why I believe the Rangers and Red Sox are destined to make a run at a title in 2025 and are destined to clash in October, with the winner heading to the Fall Classic.

Reason #1: Exciting young players

Jarren Duran and Wyatt Langford are among the best young players in baseball in the outfield and are already producers within their respective teams. They have high upsides and it wouldn't be crazy to think they can reach a peak that will get into the conversation as an MVP.

One big league star early in their career for an big league team is impactful, but both teams are fortunate enough to be surrounded with young talent. Whether it be Kristian Campbell for the Red Sox or Evan Carter for Texas, having those young players ready to go can be a boost to any team. Other guys like Emiliano Teodo or Marcelo Mayer ready to go throughout the season can prolong success in any given year.

Mixing in your young players with proven MLB bats, like both teams have, can make a team complete. These teams from top to bottom are as deep and good as any team with youth filling in the gaps.

Reason #2: Proven pitching

When postseason baseball comes around it's always the pitching that steals the conversation. In order to find success all season long and in the trenches of October baseball, pitching matters. The Rangers and Red Sox now that all too well, which is why they have have committed to obtaining some of the highest levels of pitching talent in the MLB. Boston has Garrett Crochet and Texas has Jacob deGrom, both of who, are certified aces and are backed by proven arms ready to take on the season.

In this age of baseball, deep rotations are key since workhorses are few and between, and having guys ready to go is important to stave off losing stretches and steady a team.

The Rangers depth is being tested early and I fully expect them to weather the storm. Cody Bradford will eventually be back and when he returns, the Rangers rotation will be bolstered with a quality starter. Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler and Garrett Whitlock behind Crochet makes for a high level rotation for the Red Sox, that could arguably be the best in baseball.

Reason #: Lineup depth

The heart of a lineup can catapult a team from average to great quickly and both of these teams feature some of the most premier talent in the heart of their lineups.

Trevor Story, Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, Alex Bregman and Tristan Casas can put pitchers in a never ending "who do I throw to" scenario.

Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Wyatt Langford, Adolis Garcia, Jake Burger and Joc Pederson presents an even harder scenario.

When comparing teams head-to-head, there are maybe only one or two American League lineups in conversations with them. The best way to beat the good pitching littered throughout the AL is to hit even better.

The Rangers proved in 2023 that you can just slug your way to winning it all. This season is going to be another test of that. Following Opening Day, Bruce Bochy doubled down that the team won't be held to few runs very often.

Teams that put up historic offensive numbers typically fare well for an entire season. With how these lineups are built for this season, there may be no limit to how far these teams can go.