After a busy offseason and exciting batch of Spring Training games, the Boston Red Sox have settled on the select group of 26 players they’ll carry on their active roster when the regular season begins on Thursday, March 27.
Looking for information on the full roster? You’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a breakdown of all 26 players, plus a look at those who are injured or just missed the cut.
Made the Roster
Starting Pitchers
Garrett Crochet
Crochet was acquired from the White Sox during the offseason, representing Boston’s biggest splash this past winter. The reliever-turned-starter was quickly named the Red Sox’ Opening Day starter, deservedly so. He gave Red Sox fans a taste of his dominance with a 1.63 FIP and 17.23 K/9 over 15.2 innings (five starts) this spring.
Tanner Houck
Houck was Boston’s ace last season, earning an All-Star Game nod before disappointing during the second half of the year. There’s optimism that he can bounce back in 2025, especially with reduced pressure as he transitions to the No. 2 starter role. However, Houck was roughed up this spring, allowing 19 runs over 13.2 innings of Grapefruit League action. He finished with a 5.33 xFIP and just 4.61 K/9. Spring Training stats don’t mean much, but Houck’s low strikeout rate is undoubtedly cause for concern. On a positive note, he induced ground balls at a 56.9 percent clip.
Walker Buehler
Buehler inked a one-year deal with Boston after winning a World Series with the Dodgers last year. Injuries limited him to just 75.1 innings in 2024, and he amassed a 5.54 xFIP while turning in his first negative WAR season since his rookie campaign in 2017. However, when he can stay healthy for most of the season, he can be a very dependable rotation option. He allowed just two earned runs through 10 innings this spring, accruing 9.90 K/9 and 0.90 BB/9. The No. 3 role should suit him well in 2025.
Richard Fitts
While Crochet’s strong spring was inspiring, the best Red Sox pitching story from Spring Training was Fitts. Acquired from the Yankees in exchange for Alex Verdugo just over a year ago, Fitts spent most of 2024 at Triple-A, pitching to an uninspiring 4.86 FIP while allowing 1.47 HR/9. However, something clicked for the right-hander in Florida as he touched 99 mph with his fastball. He also revealed a new sinker and curveball, the latter of which boasted a 60 percent whiff rate during Grapefruit League action. Fitts’ 8.59 K/9 rate this spring was a promising improvement over the 3.92 K/9 he recorded through four big-league starts last year.
Richard Fitts showed off a revamped arsenal and velocity bump this Spring, earning himself a spot on the Red Sox Opening Day Roster! https://t.co/WjmkPNEpxD pic.twitter.com/8tJfsi2V4g
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) March 22, 2025
Sean Newcomb
Injuries to Boston’s anticipated starters created an opportunity for Newcomb, who beat out Quinn Priester for a roster spot. Both players pitched well, but manager Alex Cora opted to open the season with Newcomb as his No. 5 starter. (It’s worth noting that Newcomb was out of option years while Priester had one remaining.) A non-roster invite, Newcomb hasn’t been a dependable rotation piece since 2018 with the Braves. However, he found new life this spring, allowing just one earned run over 14.1 innings. He flashed an impressive 55.6 percent ground ball rate to pair with his 8.16 K/9 and 1.88 BB/9 clips.
Relief Pitchers
Aroldis Chapman
After letting Kenley Jansen walk during free agency, the Red Sox replaced him with another veteran closer in Chapman. The left-handed flamethrower is entering his age-37 season and won the closer job during camp. He hasn’t topped 15 saves since 2021 with the Yankees, but he still remains an elite late-innings option. Chapman had a 1.97 FIP and 17.18 K/9 this spring, and while he struggled with walks (6.14 BB/9), it came over a small sample size of just 7.1 innings. Most importantly, he revealed a new breaking ball that is roughly 20 mph slower than his fastball, making it a highly deceptive and lethal option late in counts. Although Chapman will be Boston’s Opening Day closer, don’t be surprised if the Red Sox roll with the hot hand, especially if he struggles out of the gate. The job is Chapman’s to lose.
Aroldis Chapman strikes out the side in the 8th inning and shows off his new 77mph breaking ball against Javy Baez. pic.twitter.com/PsRheNWRR0
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) March 19, 2025
Justin Slaten
The Mets selected Slaten in the 2023 Rule 5 draft but traded him to Boston just a few minutes later. He was impactful down the stretch for Boston in 2024, delivering a 2.61 FIP, 9.43 K/9, and 1.46 BB/9 through 55.1 innings. He was a candidate for the Red Sox’ closer role this spring before the job went to Chapman. However, players like Chapman and Liam Hendriks (elbow) are merely short-term solutions for Boston while Slaten could be the club’s closer of the future. Even if Slaten doesn’t get many save opportunities this year, Cora still trusts him to pitch high-leverage situations late in the game.
Garrett Whitlock
Whitlock debuted in 2021 as a Rule 5 pick (acquired from the Yankees). In his first season with Boston, he delivered a 2.84 FIP and 9.94 K/9 through 46 relief appearances. However, injuries and an inconsistent role — 40 percent of his appearances over the last three years were starts — have hurt Whitlock’s productivity since then. He’s looking to bounce back, and his odds of being a productive relief option are high. After all, he has a clean bill of health and Cora has committed to leaving Whitlock in the bullpen. He has proven himself capable of earning opportunities in set-up or save situations, but his ability to pitch long outings could best serve the Red Sox in a middle-innings role.
Justin Wilson
In desperate need of a left-handed reliever, Boston signed Wilson to a major league deal during the offseason. The 37-year-old had a promising 3.99 xFIP in Cincinnati last year, but he allowed five earned runs over 5.2 innings this spring. He also surrendered 1.59 HR/9, which might not be an anomaly given that he allowed 1.93 HR/9 in the majors last year. On a more promising note, he amassed a 68.4 percent ground ball rate, 7.94 K/9, and 3.18 BB/9 this spring. Despite concerning Grapefruit League statistics, Wilson was essentially a lock to make the roster given that he signed a major league deal and has no options remaining.
Greg Weissert
Weissert was another piece of the return package in the Verdugo trade before the 2024 season. He spent most of last season in the majors, pitching to a solid 3.72 FIP with 8.24 K/9 and 2.84 BB/9. Most importantly, he made 62 appearances out of a Boston bullpen that lacked consistency. The Red Sox can trust the 30-year-old to give them a clean inning before turning to someone like Chapman, Slaten, or Whitlock.
Brennan Bernardino
Boston claimed Bernardino from the Mariners in April 2023, and he’s been a solid innings-eater ever since. The southpaw doesn’t always leave the game better than he found it — he totaled 15.36 runs above average (RE24) between 2023 and 2024 — but Cora can use him in any situation, and he’s even made nine appearances as an opener. Bernardino is one of Boston’s lower-tier relievers, but he has still exceeded expectations as a shot-in-the-dark waiver claim from two years ago.
Brennan Bernardino just made Jose Ramirez look silly. pic.twitter.com/k5lP3S7YP4
— Andersen Pickard (@AndersenPickard) April 15, 2024
Cooper Criswell
Criswell was a valuable presence for the Red Sox last year, shuttling between Triple-A and the majors while also earning appearances out of both the rotation and bullpen. His unique delivery and propensity for inducing weak contact are quite impressive. The Red Sox appeared to be satisfied with Bernardino over Criswell on the Opening Day roster, but the latter secured the final roster spot after Liam Hendriks (elbow) landed on the injured list. Criswell is a very capable major league pitcher who can perform in either a bullpen or rotation role. For now, he’ll contribute out of the bullpen.
Zack Kelly
Kelly had an elite month of June last year, allowing just one earned run over 12.2 innings. However, outside of that impressive stretch, he was nothing more than a low-leverage relief arm. The right-hander has posted a FIP above 4.80 in each of the last two seasons, and he hasn’t had positive fWAR since 2022. However, he looked good this spring with a 2.05 FIP, a 60.0 percent ground ball rate, 9.39 K/9, and 1.17 BB/9. Kelly lacks consistency, but he can still be used in the middle innings of close games.
Position Players
Alex Bregman
The Red Sox landed Bregman on a lucrative three-year deal that gives him two chances to opt out. It was a big price to pay, but Boston has ultimately added a star who is productive both in the field and at the plate. He’s expected to be Boston’s everyday third baseman, which means the Red Sox are replacing Rafael Devers‘ subpar defense at the hot corner with a perennial Gold Glove candidate. Bregman gives the club a real chance to compete for the American League East crown.
Trevor Story
Story hasn’t lived up to his potential in Boston, largely due to numerous injuries ever since his signing in 2022. (He has played fewer than 100 games in each of his three seasons with the club.) For now, though, he has a clean bill of health and figures to be the Red Sox’ everyday shortstop. Story has a staggering 31.3 percent strikeout rate since signing with Boston, but his ability to hit home runs and steal bases is impossible to ignore. Plus, he delivers above-average production defensively.
Kristian Campbell
As spring progressed, it became increasingly clear that Campbell belonged in the Red Sox’ Opening Day lineup. One of the top prospects in baseball, Campbell is capable of playing up the middle in either the infield or outfield. With center field and shortstop occupied by Ceddanne Rafaela and Story, respectively, Campbell slots in at second base for Boston. Ideally, he’ll give the Red Sox the second base stability they’ve desired ever since Dustin Pedroia‘s retirement. Campbell excelled with the bat in his hands as a minor leaguer, and his defense has been on lock through this spring. He did struggle at the plate early in Spring Training, but he showed improvement by reaching safely in 10 of his last 12 Grapefruit League games.
Kristian Campbell shows off the athleticism with a diving grab ? #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/H6dVKvUWpH
— MLB (@MLB) March 22, 2025
Triston Casas
Casas’ narrative with the Red Sox is a little unconventional as the club reportedly explored trading him during the offseason and remains interested in bringing in first base depth. However, Cora has also made it clear that Casas is the club’s everyday first baseman and won’t be benched against left-handed pitching. As Boston’s clean-up hitter, he has the potential to launch 30 homers if he plays consistently. He went yard twice with an 18 percent walk rate and a 32 percent strikeout rate this spring.
Rafael Devers
The Red Sox appeared to irk Devers by signing Bregman to be their third baseman, but he has also vowed to accept his role as the designated hitter on Opening Day. Devers remains a franchise superstar in Boston and has slugged at least 27 homers and 34 doubles in each of his last four seasons. His offensive production may improve even further as he shifts away from third base and adapts to a potentially full-time designated hitter role.
Jarren Duran
Duran overcame early-career struggles and has blossomed into one of baseball’s brightest young stars. He slashed .285/.342/.492 with a career-high 129 wRC+ last year. He also set personal best marks in stolen bases, strikeout rate, and walk rate. Furthermore, in 2024, he delivered positive defensive WAR for the first time in his career. Boston’s lead-off hitter and everyday left fielder, Duran is capable of playing all 162 games in a season.
Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela played 152 games as a rookie last year. He primarily patrolled center field for Boston, but he’s also capable of delivering above-average defense as a middle infielder. Although his big-league offensive statistics didn’t quite match his dominance at the plate from his time in the minors, he still finished the season with positive fWAR. The 24-year-old’s bat also looked much better this spring as he slashed .316/.409/.526 with a 13.6 percent walk rate, 9.1 percent strikeout rate, and 146 wRC+. The Red Sox would be thrilled if Rafaela could keep his walk rate up while cutting down on strikeouts during the regular season. A strong April could allow him to move up in the batting order, though Cora finds value in Rafaela as the club’s No. 9 hitter thanks to his contact skills and speed.
Wilyer Abreu
Abreu’s Spring Training was delayed due to a gastrointestinal issue, and he struggled to produce upon returning to the club. At the plate this spring, he went just 1-for-20 with a 28.6 percent strikeout rate. However, Grapefruit League stats are far less relevant than his 2024 stat line, which includes a .781 OPS and 114 wRC+. He contributed positive WAR both at the plate and in the field last year, resulting in an overall fWAR mark of 3.0. He’ll get a chance to cement himself as Boston’s everyday right fielder, but in all likelihood, he’ll play around 75 percent of games with some days off when the opposing team throws a southpaw.
Connor Wong
Wong was the best piece that Boston landed in the infamous Mookie Betts trade. He has emerged as the club’s everyday catcher, contributing positively both at the plate and behind it. He posted an impressive .280/.333/.425 slash line in 2024, and while his stats took a step backward this spring, he did walk at an impressive 12.5 percent clip. Defensively, his productivity has fluctuated year over year, but Boston trusts him to frame well and throw out baserunners.
Connor Wong put on a bunch of weight this offseason. First spring training AB he puts one deep over the monster. pic.twitter.com/Ihj1PWhYyk
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) March 1, 2025
Rob Refsnyder
Refsnyder is the Red Sox’ replacement for Abreu when they’re facing a left-handed pitcher. He slashed .302/.393/.548 against southpaws in 2024, taking them deep eight times over 126 at-bats. He showed that he’s capable of hitting righties, too, but there’s no denying that he makes the biggest impact against opposite-handed hurlers. Once a dependable option on the right side of the infield, Refsnyder now plays corner outfield, with an occasional appearance at designated hitter.
Romy Gonzalez
Gonzalez has been a diamond in the rough for Boston, landing with the club as a January 2024 waiver claim. He played every position last year, but the bulk of his reps came in the infield. He slashed .302/.362/.517 with an 8.5 percent walk rate against southpaws, which was significantly better than his production against right-handers (.498 OPS, 28 wRC+, 1.2 BB%). Boston can deploy him at any infield position in a pinch, but ideally, he primarily faces left-handed pitching with most of his appearances coming off the bench in late innings.
David Hamilton
Hamilton wasn’t a lock to make the club entering this spring, but his improvements at the plate have allowed him to stick with the big league club. He produced a .791 OPS and 8.8 percent walk rate last August, and he slashed .260/.373/.440 with a 116 wRC+ and 15.3 percent walk rate this spring. Beyond his offensive stat line, Hamilton is a solid defender and excellent baserunner, swiping 33 bags last season and nine during Spring Training. At the bare minimum, he offers the Red Sox a burst of speed and a solid bat off the bench. If needed, he can be a serviceable starter.
Carlos Narvaez
The Red Sox acquired Narvaez from the Yankees during the offseason, making him the club’s newest backup catcher after getting subpar production from Reese McGuire and Danny Jansen in 2024. He only played six games at the big league level last year, but he posted a solid .254/.370/.412 slash line with a 13.9 percent walk rate and 26.1 percent strikeout rate in the minors. It’s too early to say that Narvaez can be a starting catcher in the majors, but he doesn’t need to be. For now, he just needs to be a serviceable depth option who can give Connor Wong a breather.
Missed the Cut
Pitchers
Quinn Priester
Priester was edged out by Newcomb for the final starter role, but perhaps only because Priester had an option year remaining. Acquired from the Pirates for Nick Yorke last summer, Priester primarily pitched in Triple-A for the Red Sox. However, he did earn a late-season promotion and tossed five innings of one-run ball at the major league level, allowing just one walk. He upped his strikeout rate this spring, but his walk and home run rates also ballooned. He’ll open the year in Worcester.
Luis Guerrero
Guerrero was the Red Sox’ hardest-throwing pitcher last season, albeit over a small sample size. He tossed 10 scoreless innings in his first taste of major league action, delivering 8.10 K/9 and 1.80 BB/9 along the way. At the minor league level, he struck out 13.09 batters per nine innings but struggled with walks. This spring, Guerrero continued to flash his high velocity and knack for striking out batters, but the walks still poured in at a high clip. His 27.3 percent ground ball rate was also concerning, even for a hard-throwing pitcher. The Red Sox don’t need to rush Guerrero, so he’ll open the year at Triple-A while he works on improving his walk and ground ball rates.
Luis Guerrero’s 3Ks pic.twitter.com/wYDVb54g1v
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 22, 2025
Matt Moore
Moore posted a career-worst 6.17 FIP with the Angels last season, forcing him to settle for a minor league deal with the Red Sox. He earned an invitation to Spring Training and was solid in the Grapefruit League, allowing two walks and two strikeouts over four scoreless innings. Although he looked like a decent rotation option, his minor league contract made it tough for him to make the Opening Day roster. He’s out of options, so if he made the team, he couldn’t be sent back to the minors. Instead, by missing the cut, he heads to Triple-A. He did have a chance to opt out of the deal but decided to remain in the organization. He could be the first player the Red Sox call when they need to replace someone in their bullpen.
Adam Ottavino
Ottavino looked like a very promising minor league signing for the Red Sox given that he posted a 3.19 xERA, 11.25 K/9, 3.70 BB/9, and 0.96 HR/9 through 60 big-league appearances last year. However, he allowed six runs over five innings in Spring Training, throwing away his chance to make the Opening Day roster. Boston seemed interested in keeping him around as a depth option at Triple-A, but he chose to bet on himself and opt out of his minor league contract. The Red Sox granted him his release, making him a free agent.
Michael Fulmer
The Red Sox signed Fulmer to a two-year minor league contract in February 2024, giving him a chance to recover from UCL revision surgery. He posted a 0.79 ERA, 9.53 K/9, and 2.38 BB/9 through 11.1 innings in Spring Training, but it wasn’t enough to earn a spot on the big-league roster. The former Rookie of the Year will open the year in Worcester, offering valuable depth.
Bryan Mata
Mata allowed six runs over 4.2 innings this spring, but he impressed Cora with his elite-level stuff. The former top prospect was a dark horse candidate to make the major league roster, especially after Cora admitted the right-hander had caught his attention. Ultimately, Mata will start the year in Triple-A, but don’t be surprised if he earns a midseason promotion to the majors.
Position Players
Vaughn Grissom
Grissom was acquired in exchange for Chris Sale a year ago, but he underperformed in the majors in 2024. Then, he continued to struggle during Spring Training, slashing .176/.300/.235 with a mere 51 wRC+. He’ll return to Worcester where he posted a 108 wRC+ and 15.4 percent walk rate last year.
Abraham Toro
Toro has bounced around the majors over the last few seasons, and he has a connection to Cora from their time together in Houston. He exceeded expectations during Spring Training with a .310/.356/.595 slash line and 141 wRC+, but it wasn’t enough to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old will head to Worcester where he’ll look to improve upon the 6.7 percent walk rate and 26.7 percent strikeout rate he posted in Florida this spring.
Trayce Thompson
Thompson mashed the baseball this spring, launching six homers and driving in 13 runs. Make no mistake, though: he didn’t sacrifice discipline for power. The veteran outfielder also walked 21.3 percent of the time and finished Spring Training with a 1.280 OPS. On many teams, Thompson would have made the Opening Day roster. However, there simply wasn’t any room for Thomspon on the Red Sox, so he’ll start the year in Triple-A. If he dominates at the plate in Worcester, though, he may force Craig Breslow‘s hand.
Trayce Thompson hit his 6th homer of the spring on March 9th. Only had one hit after that. https://t.co/MZZNChkffY
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) March 23, 2025
Marcelo Mayer
Mayer put together a strong spring, slashing .333/.455/.528 with a 161 wRC+, 18.2 percent walk rate, and 25.0 percent strikeout rate. Breslow and Cora may have been tempted to let Mayer make the Opening Day roster, but there’s no need to rush him. After all, he hasn’t taken an at-bat at Triple-A yet. By heading to Worcester, he’ll get a few more important developmental reps before making his MLB debut during the middle of the 2025 season.
Roman Anthony
Anthony is widely viewed as the top prospect in baseball not named Roki Sasaki. He posted a subpar .715 OPS this spring, but his lone home run did come in a dramatic fashion. He also walked at an impressive 21.7 percent clip. The 20-year-old dominated at Triple-A last year, and assuming he does the same this April, he’ll be making his MLB debut in no time. Anthony is a future superstar in the outfield.
Fan, “Overrated”
Roman Anthony, “Watch me hit this ball 500ft.” pic.twitter.com/8aY881eSq4
— Justin Scott (@JustinScottNews) March 14, 2025
Nick Sogard
Sogard hit well enough at Triple-A to earn a midseason promotion last year, but he’ll be heading back to Worcester to open the 2025 campaign. He’s a solid depth infielder who posted an impressive 143 wRC+ through 10 games last September. He deserves to be a bench option in the majors, but players like Campbell, Mayer, and perhaps Grissom are blocking his path. He’ll benefit from everyday opportunities in Worcester.
Injured
Liam Hendriks
Hendriks rehabbed with the Red Sox during 2024 and had been gearing up to make his first regular-season appearance with the club. Pre-Tommy John surgery, Hendriks was an elite closer for the White Sox, racking up 75 saves between 2021 and 2022. However, he was shaky this spring, allowing seven earned runs (including two home runs) over 6.1 innings. Home runs are certainly an ongoing concern with Hendriks, who surrendered 1.28 HR/9 over his final three seasons in Chicago. Hendriks wasn’t able to edge out Chapman for the closer role, and elbow inflammation late in camp ultimately landed him on the 15-day injured list to open the season.
Lucas Giolito
Giolito isn’t quite ready to make his much-anticipated Red Sox debut. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last spring and is still recovering, so he’ll open the year on the injured list. He did strike out four batters over two scoreless innings against minor league hitters last Sunday, so it appears he’s getting closer to making his return. The Red Sox are targeting April for Giolito’s activation.
Brayan Bello
Bello is dealing with shoulder soreness and isn’t expected to be ready for Opening Day. The young starter has delivered inconsistent results through parts of three seasons in the majors, but his upside is indisputable. As soon as he’s healthy, he’ll make his return to the rotation. Boston is targeting April 11 for his next start, preceded by two Triple-A rehab outings.
Pedro Martínez working with Brayan Bello ? pic.twitter.com/c0PEu4GxS2
— NESN (@NESN) February 28, 2025
Kutter Crawford
Crawford was highly productive with a 3.86 xERA, 8.58 K/9, and 2.50 BB/9 in the majors last year. He also led all of MLB with 33 starts. However, he’s currently dealing with a knee injury and isn’t expected to pitch for Boston until the end of April at the earliest. Upon his return, Boston may utilize a six-man rotation.
Masataka Yoshida
Yoshida was primarily a designated hitter last year, logging just one game in left field. He posted a solid 131 wRC+ during the second half of the season and slashed .310/.374/.458 against right-handed pitching. His power has also shown improvement. The 31-year-old struggles defensively, but Boston remains interested in deploying him as an outfielder to leave flexibility in the designated hitter spot. Yoshida is dealing with a shoulder injury, and while he’s healthy enough to hit, he’s not healthy enough to throw a baseball. He’ll open the year on the injured list and will require some rehab appearances in Triple-A before Cora deploys him in the big league lineup.
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