Boston Red Sox News

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Jake Bennett • SP • Red Sox

Jake Bennett an Early Standout, Being Stretched Out as Starter

MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo writes that Boston Red Sox left-hander Jake Bennett has been an early camp standout for the team. The Red Sox want to keep him stretched out this spring, so he won't be a candidate to be in the Opening Day bullpen. "I don't foresee us, outside of strict necessity, wanting to shorten him up anytime soon," pitching coach Andrew Bailey said. The 25-year-old 6-foot-6, 234-pounder is getting an opportunity in big-league camp despite having not pitched above Double-A. Baseball America ranks Bennett as the sixth-best prospect in Boston's system and the fifth-best pitcher. He had Tommy John surgery after the 2023 season and missed all of 2024, but he bounced back nicely last year with a 2.27 ERA, 64 K's, and 19 walks in 75 1/3 innings. For now, Bennett is a name to watch. If he pitches well at Triple-A this year, he could be an option for Boston's rotation or bullpen later in 2026.

6 hours ago

Romy Gonzalez • 1B • Red Sox

Romy Gonzalez Still Only Playing Catch

Boston Red Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) is still limited to just playing catch, according to manager Alex Cora, and is unable to do any other baseball activities while waiting for the PRP injection to work on his shoulder injury. The issue first cropped up towards the end of last season and has limited Gonzalez all offseason. It's starting to look unlikely that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but the 29-year-old will still likely fit into Boston's crowded infield mix at some point, He slashed .305/.343/.483 with an .826 OPS, nine home runs, 53 RBI, 47 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 96 regular-season games last year and had an impressive 99th-percentile hard-hit rate and 123 wRC+ in what a breakout campaign. He especially excelled against lefties and should at least get time in a platoon when he's healthy. Monitor his recovery and keep him as a late-round deep-league value addition, especially if you need some roster versatility.

9 hours ago

Isiah Kiner-Falefa • SS • Red Sox

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Taking Reps at First Base

With some of the Boston Red Sox's depth options at first base banged up, including Triston Casas (knee) and Romy Gonzalez (shoulder), new infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken reps at the position in spring training, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. Kiner-Falefa's primary positions are second base, shortstop, and third base, but he's played literally every other position on the field in the majors, including catcher. He might not really be needed at first in 2026, depending on the health of Casas and Gonzalez, but getting the experience at first this spring doesn't hurt. The 30-year-old veteran has never hit more than eight home runs in a season in his eight years in the big leagues, and he's unlikely to have much fantasy appeal in 2026 with the BoSox in a utility role. Kiner-Falefa should only be rostered as a player with modest speed and positional versatility in AL-only leagues.

20 hours ago

Tanner Houck • SP • Red Sox

Tanner Houck Resumes Throwing for First Time Since Injury

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (elbow) resumed throwing on Monday. He made about 25 throws from 45 feet out, marking the first time he had thrown a baseball since undergoing Tommy John surgery nearly six months ago. It's a major step in the right direction for Houck, whose long recovery gives him a timetable to return around September 2026. He hasn't pitched in the majors since last May, when he suffered a right flexor pronator strain and later experienced a setback while rehabbing in the minors. The right-hander didn't pitch very well even when healthy, allowing 39 earned runs over 43.2 innings (nine starts). His strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 6.60 K/9 while his home run rate ballooned to 2.06 HR/9. Therefore, in addition to getting healthy, Houck will look to make mechanical adjustments focused on helping him return to pre-2025 form. He was an All-Star in 2024, and he looked like a potential Cy Young candidate during the first half of that season before things fell apart in the second half.

20 hours ago

Marcelo Mayer • 3B • Red Sox |

Caleb Durbin • 3B • Red Sox

Marcelo Mayer at Second, Caleb Durbin Manning Third in Camp

For the second day in a row at camp, Boston Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer is at second base, and Caleb Durbin is at third base, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Mayer would see most of his playing time at third in 2026 after Alex Bregman left via free agency. However, the recent trade acquisition of Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers has changed the dynamic of Boston's infield at the start of spring training. The 23-year-old Mayer, a former shortstop prospect, played both second and third in his rookie campaign in 2025. Durbin has experience at the keystone, but he primarily played the hot corner in Milwaukee last year. Mayer, the former fourth overall pick in 2021, might have more long-term upside offensively, but Durbin is probably the better immediate contributor in fantasy after clubbing 11 homers and stealing 18 bases in 136 regular-season games in 2025.

Yesterday

Payton Tolle • SP • Red Sox

Payton Tolle Looks to Strengthen Secondary Pitches

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle plans to mix in his secondary pitches more often to further improve his fastball. According to reports by Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, Tolle's fastball appears two miles per hour faster to hitters than it actually appears. The four-seamer sat at 96.7 mph but generated a much higher perceived velocity of 98.7 mph. Boston's chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, expressed that Tolle will continue to mix in his secondary pitches in 2026, which will only improve his fastball in his first full season in the big leagues. During his brief 16 1/3-inning stint in Boston last summer, Tolle relied on his fastball 64.1% of the time, mixed his cutter 13.5% of the time, and his slider 9.5% of the time. During this stint, his four-seamer generated a modest .341 xwOBA, while his slider was highly effective, posting a 33.3% whiff rate and a .258 xwOBA. If Tolle can continue to build his secondaries, his four-seamer will take a step forward in 2026. Managers should monitor his progress as he will likely compete for the final spot in the rotation alongside Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval, and Johan Oviedo.

Yesterday

Triston Casas • 1B • Red Sox

Triston Casas a Fit for Designated Hitter Role?

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) will do drills independently when the team holds its first full-squad spring training workout on Sunday, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Casas has some catching up to do after tearing his left patellar tendon on May 2 of last year. Offseason acquisition Willson Contreras has taken his primary position (first base), but Casas thinks the BoSox will find a place for him when he's fully healthy. "When I'm healthy, I fit on any team," said Casas. Browne writes that designated hitter could be a "nice fallback" for Casas once he's 100% healthy. However, Boston could need the DH spot to deploy whichever player can't fit in the outfield on a given day. Casas said that medical professionals told him his injury typically takes a year of full recovery, which would put him on track to play again around May 1. The Red Sox's lineup lacks power, so they could use Casas' bat in their lineup, but the 26-year-old might not be ready for Opening Day, and he might not have a full-time role when he makes his season debut.

2 days ago

Carlos Narváez • C • Red Sox

Carlos Narvaez to Remain Boston's Starting Catcher

Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez will be the team's starting catcher again in 2026, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Manager Alex Cora revealed on Saturday that Narvaez's knee started to bother him in just the third game of the season and his first start behind the plate on March 29 against the Texas Rangers. "He was banged up the whole season," Cora said. Narvaez had a left-knee meniscesctomy right after the 2025 season ended. He missed three straight games from Aug. 6-9 but avoided going on the injured list during his rookie campaign. The 27-year-old was still one of the best defensive catchers in the league, although his offensive numbers tailed off in the second half. The Venezuelan backstop finished with a .241/.306/.419 slash line .726 OPS, 15 homers, and 50 RBI in 118 regular-season games. Narvaez has decent offensive skills for a catcher, but his poor plate discipline should keep his ceiling on the lower side as a No. 2 catcher in fantasy.

2 days ago

Roman Anthony • RF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony to Play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony will play for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic if he passes a physical in spring training, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Anthony will be a replacement for injured Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (hand). The 21-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is heading into his first full season in the big leagues in 2026 after slashing an impressive .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 48 runs scored, and four stolen bases last year in his first 71 MLB games. Anthony is likely to hit leadoff for the BoSox against right-handers this year, and RotoBaller considers him a top-15 fantasy outfielder. An oblique strain cut his season short at the end of last season, but he's fully recovered and will be ready for Opening Day, barring a setback during the WBC. Anthony joined Ted Williams as the only Boston players to have 20-plus extra-base hits and 25-plus walks in their first 52 career games.

4 days ago

Patrick Sandoval • SP • Red Sox

Patrick Sandoval Throws Live Batting Practice

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (elbow) threw a live bullpen session on Friday, according to a video posted by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Sandoval is heading into the second year of a two-year deal with the Red Sox that allowed him to rehab from Tommy John surgery with the organization. He hasn't pitched since 2024 with the Angels, but he's competing for the fifth spot in the Red Sox' rotation as camp gets underway. Across 16 starts in 2024, he went 2-8 with a 3.87 FIP, 9.15 K/9, 3.95 BB/9, and a 45% ground ball rate. Sandoval is on the 40-man roster, but the same can be said about other pitchers competing for rotation spots, including Johan Oviedo and Connelly Early.

4 days ago

Brayan Bello • SP • Red Sox

Brayan Bello Adds a Curveball to Arsenal

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello has been throwing a curveball as spring training gets underway, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Bello threw five curveballs back in 2022, but he hasn't used the pitch since then. Now, it's back in his arsenal, adding a sixth pitch to his deep mix. Teammate Sonny Gray said Bello's arsenal is "gross," and manager Alex Cora credited the young pitcher for consistently developing ever since his debut season in 2022. The 26-year-old posted a career-best 3.35 ERA last year, but his FIP was a bit higher at 4.19. He continued to induce weak contact with a 49.8% ground ball rate and 0.86 HR/9. Bello projects as Boston's No. 4 starter behind Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, and Gray.

4 days ago

Tanner Houck • SP • Red Sox

Tanner Houck to Throw Next Week, Hopes to Contribute in September

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (elbow) will resume throwing next week in hopes of being ready to rejoin the pitching staff in September, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Houck hasn't pitched in the majors since last May, when he suffered a right flexor pronator strain. He suffered a setback while rehabbing in the minors, and he ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery in August. The right-hander didn't pitch very well when healthy, as he allowed 39 earned runs over 43.2 innings (nine starts). His strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 6.60 K/9 while his home run rate ballooned to 2.06 HR/9. Presumably, the Red Sox hope that his struggles were related to his injury and that he can get back on track when healthy later this year. However, with September as his target return, Houck still has a long recovery ahead of him.

6 days ago

Roman Anthony • RF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony Likely to Lead Off for the Red Sox?

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is projected to bat leadoff and rotate between right field and designated hitter this season, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Specifically, Cotillo posted on X that manager Alex Cora "seems to like Anthony leading off." The talented outfielder made his presence felt right away upon debuting last year. Over 71 games in the majors, he slashed .292/.396/.463 with eight home runs, a 13.2% walk rate, a 27.7% strikeout rate, and 140 wRC+. More than 42% of his at-bats came out of the leadoff spot last year, and he ultimately posted a 1.003 OPS in the No. 1 hole. He is a talented, pure hitter with the ability to tap into additional power as his career progresses. He was also solid defensively with 6 OAA and 4 FRV between left field and right field last year. We expect him to play more left and less right in 2026, with Ceddanne Rafaela in center field and Wilyer Abreu in right.

6 days ago

Trevor Story • SS • Red Sox

Trevor Story Expected to Bat Second?

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story could bat second after manager Alex Cora said that he "earned the right" to hit at the top of the order, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Story's 2025 season was refreshing, as he improved his production at the plate while staying healthy for 157 games. He ultimately slashed .263/.308/.433 with 25 home runs, 31 stolen bases, a 5.0% walk rate, a 26.9% strikeout rate, and 101 wRC+. Last year represented his best power surge since 2019, but his walk rate dropped to a new career-low, and he continued to struggle with strikeouts. That's not great for a prospective No. 2 hitter, but Cora seems committed to putting the veteran infielder near the top of the lineup. Cotillo speculates that Roman Anthony could lead off, followed by Story in the No. 2 hole.

6 days ago

Wilyer Abreu • RF • Red Sox

Wilyer Abreu Viewed as "Everyday" Player in Boston Lineup

Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu is viewed as an "everyday" player in the Boston lineup, according to manager Alex Cora. Last summer, Abreu was typically held on the bench when facing southpaws, but he is now expected to earn the starting nod against both right-handed and left-handed pitching. Through 115 games last season, Abreu turned in a strong campaign, posting a .247/.317/.469 slash line with 22 long balls and six stolen bases. Under the hood, the 26-year-old generated an above-average .335 xwOBA with a 12.3% barrel rate, suggesting that his power production could significantly improve if given a full-time role. Additionally, Abreu is an elite defender who will likely provide him a longer leash against southpaws if he struggles. With Abreu projected to see a full-time role in right field, this could limit Kristian Campbell's opportunities in the outfield and will likely shift Roman Anthony to a primary DH role.

6 days ago

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet Ditches Changeup for Splitter

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet replaced his changeup with a splitter during the offseason, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Crochet reportedly used informative videos from pitching coach Andrew Bailey and coach Devin Rose to experiment and ultimately implement the new pitch while working out at Vanderbilt University during the offseason. Crochet only threw his changeup 4% of the time last year, but it produced an impressive .080 wOBA and 42.1% whiff rate. In comparison to the changeup, we'd expected his splitter to have an even lower spin rate, and perhaps additional drop (lower induced vertical break). Crochet posted a spectacular 2.64 xFIP during his first season in Boston last year, and he ranks as RotoBaller's #2 starter heading into 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

6 days ago

Kristian Campbell • 2B • Red Sox

Kristian Campbell to Primarily Work in Outfield in Spring Training

Boston Red Sox infielder Kristian Campbell will primarily work in the outfield during spring training, according to manager Alex Cora. In addition to outfield work, Campbell will work one-on-one with infield coach Jose Flores at both second and third base. The addition of work at third is new, but Campbell played there minimally in the minors. The vast majority of Campbell's playing time in his first year in the majors in 2025 came at second base, but he also saw a handful of starts in left and center field. A move to the outfield is now possible after the acquisition of infielder Caleb Durbin. Some combination of Durbin and Marcelo Mayer should handle third and second base regularly in 2026, pushing Campbell to the outfield. The problem with that is Boston already has a crowded outfield picture with Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu. A trade could be coming for the BoSox this spring.

7 days ago

Marcelo Mayer • 3B • Red Sox

Marcelo Mayer Without a Set Position Entering Spring Training

A Boston Red Sox source indicated a preference for infielder Marcelo Mayer at third base over second base, but that was before the team acquired infielder Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. It's unclear whether Durbin's play at third last year will bump Mayer to second, but McCaffrey writes that wherever Durbin plays, Mayer "will man the other spot." We'll get a better idea of Boston's plans based on where Mayer and Durbin are positioned during their spring training drills. Mayer, 23, struggled in his first year in the big leagues in 2025, hitting .228/.272/.402 with a .674 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks, and 41 strikeouts in 136 plate appearances over 44 games. With Alex Bregman and David Hamilton gone, the former first-rounder should see more playing time in 2026. He'll need to lower his strikeout rate, but at the very least, he should be on the strong side of a platoon at either second or third base in Boston.

7 days ago

Jarren Duran • LF • Red Sox

Jarren Duran Could Hit the Bench Against Lefties

MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo suggests that Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran could be out of the left field and designated hitter mix this year against left-handed pitchers. Wilyer Abreu is expected to be in right field every day, and Ceddanne Rafaela is expected to patrol center field regularly, with Roman Anthony and Duran swapping between left field and DH against right-handed pitchers. That's if the 29-year-old Duran isn't traded before the start of the 2026 regular season. The former seventh-rounder in 2018 out of California State Long Beach hit just .211/.260/.340 with a .600 OPS and three of his 16 home runs against southpaws in 209 plate appearances, as opposed to hitting .277/.363/.488 with an .852 OPS versus righties. Fantasy managers might want to forget about Duran being a 20-20 candidate if he's not playing every day in Boston.

7 days ago

Anthony Seigler • 2B • Red Sox

Anthony Seigler Heads to Boston in Trade

The Boston Red Sox acquired infielder Anthony Seigler from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Seigler struggled in his MLB debut in Milwaukee last year, slashing only .194/.292/.210 with a .501 OPS, no home runs, five RBI, two stolen bases, eight walks, and 16 strikeouts in 34 games and 73 plate appearances. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter was much better in 72 games at Triple-A Nashville, hitting .285/.414/.478 with an .892 OPS, eight home runs, 39 RBI, 51 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. In Boston, he'll provide the BoSox with defensive versatility with the ability to play third base, second base, both corner outfield spots, and catcher. With minor-league options remaining, Seigler will be expected to open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Worcester. He has a .230/.369/.370 slash line with a .739 OPS in seven minor-league seasons.

7 days ago

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