The Future of Fenway Lands in Greenville: Drive Announce Powerhouse 2026 Opening Day Roster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 March 2026
Contact: Ben Cash
**[ben.cash@greenvilledrive.com](mailto:ben.cash@greenvilledrive.com)
(864) 335-0063**

The Future of Fenway Lands in Greenville: Drive Announce Powerhouse 2026 Opening Day Roster

Eight Top 30 Prospects, Including Five Top 10 Standouts, Headline a Star-Studded Lineup at MiLB’s Most Affordable Ballpark

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Drive, in conjunction with the Boston Red Sox, announced the club’s 2026 Opening Day roster, a talented group highlighted by eight of the organization’s Top 30 prospects and five players ranked among Boston’s Top 10 according to MLB Pipeline.

As the Drive prepares for its 21st season, that exciting on-field talent arrives alongside the organization’s continued commitment to affordability, access, and community. Even as Fluor Field evolves with new amenities, upgraded technology, and an enhanced overall fan experience, the Drive remains focused on keeping the ballpark accessible to everyone, reinforcing its standing as Minor League Baseball’s most affordable organization. That combination of top-tier prospect talent, hometown pride, and affordable family entertainment is what continues to make the Drive such an important part of Greenville and the Upstate.

"This isn't just a roster; it's a preview of the Red Sox's future," said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. "Our fans are getting a front-row seat to see Top 100 talent like Kyson Witherspoon develop right here in Greenville. Between the on-field pedigree and our commitment to being the most affordable ticket in baseball, the energy at Fluor Field this summer is going to be electric."

Headlining the roster is right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon, the Red Sox’ No. 4 prospect and the No. 84 overall prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Greenville’s roster also includes right-handed pitcher Juan Valera (No. 5), outfielder Justin Gonzales (No. 6), right-handed pitcher Marcus Phillips (No. 9), right-handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson (No. 10), infielder Henry Godbout (No. 11), infielder Yoeilin Cespedes (No. 18), and catcher Gerardo Rodriguez (No. 27).

The 2026 roster is also notable for featuring Boston’s first five selections from the 2025 MLB Draft, including first-round pick Witherspoon (15th overall), Competitive Balance Round A selection Phillips (33rd overall), Competitive Balance Round B selection Godbout (75th overall), third-round selection Eyanson (87th overall), and fourth-round selection Mason White (118th overall). Greenville also welcomes Jack Winnay, Boston’s 13th-round selection (388th overall), to the roster.

In addition, 10 members of Greenville’s roster were selected to participate in the 2026 Spring Breakout, including pitchers Jay Allmer, Anthony Eyanson, Marcus Phillips, Juan Valera, Kyson Witherspoon; catcher Gerardo Rodriguez; infielders Yoeilin Cespedes, Freili Encarnacion, Henry Godbout; and outfielder Justin Gonzales.

The Drive battery returns veteran arms Luis Cohen, Austin Ehrlicher, Jojo Ingrassia, Shea Sprague, Juan Valera, and Joe Vogatsky. Valera splashed in 2025 with his 100-mph fastball at only 19 years old.

Newcomers make up the bulk of this year’s pitching staff. Highlighted by top 2025 draft selections Witherspoon from the University of Oklahoma, Tennessee Volunteer Phillips, and LSU Tiger Eyanson. Another notable pitcher is PJ Labriola, a Clemson University product making his return to Greenville in 2026. Other newcomers include Jay Allmer, Calvin Bickerstaff, Alex Bouchard, Steven Brooks, Joey Gartrell, and Ben Hansen.

Hudson White is the lone veteran catcher returning to the Drive to begin the 2026 season. White will be joined by Spring Breakout participant Rodriguez and Drive newcomer Adonys Guzman behind the plate at Fluor Field.

Greenville’s infield enters the 2026 season with a strong mix of experience and upside. Antonio Anderson, Freili Encarnacion, Henry Godbout, Mason White, and Nazzan Zanetello all return to Fluor Field, giving the Drive a veteran-heavy group on the dirt. The unit is further bolstered by the arrival of Yoeilin Cespedes, who will make his anticipated High-A debut after a productive 2025 season in Salem that saw him belt 10 home runs and record 54 RBIs. Jack Winnay rounds out the infield corps for this year’s campaign.

Greenville’s 2026 outfield will feature a fresh look, highlighted by the return of Justin Gonzales, who made a brief appearance with the Drive late in the 2025 season and now steps into a larger role. He will be joined by fellow Drive veteran Yophery Rodriguez, who arrived in Greenville during the 2025 campaign and quickly made an impression at Fluor Field being named the High-A Player of the Month in May of last season. Isaiah Jackson and Natanael Yuten complete the outfield corps, giving the Drive a talented and athletic group across the grass.

“We’re incredibly excited about the talent we have on this roster,” said Drive Manager Liam Carroll. “This group loaded with potential, and we can’t wait to get the season started in front of our amazing fans.”

The Drive will launch the 2026 season at Fluor Field with an exciting Opening Weekend series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers from Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4, showcasing one of the best values in all of professional sports.

Opening Night on Thursday, April 2^nd with a Drive 2026 Magnet Schedule for the first 1,000 fans. The Drive returns on Friday, April 3 for the first Friday Night Fireworks of the season, powered by GE Vernova, with a Drive Pennant giveaway; and again on Saturday, April 4 for Bark in the Park, presented by Noble Dog Hotel & VEG ER and Rally Towels for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.

About The Greenville Drive

The Greenville Drive –– the Upstate’s “Home Team” –– is the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and premier Minor League franchise celebrated for seven consecutive years of league-leading attendance and a #1 ranking as MiLB’s most affordable organization. Playing at award-winning Fluor Field — recently voted by fans as one of the Top 3 Single-A ballparks in the nation — the team has produced 132 Major Leaguers and earned the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award for excellence. A mini replica of Fenway Park, Fluor Field has been a catalyst for the redevelopment of Greenville’s West End. Called the "front porch" of downtown Greenville, Fluor Field welcomes an average of 500,000 guests each year for baseball games and more than 150 community events. From its iconic Green Monster to record-breaking player development, the Drive is a cornerstone of the Greenville community.

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