Fort Myers, Florida — As the Red Sox wrap up their time in Florida, the team is in transition. A group of players and coaches are making their way to Monterrey, Mexico for a two-game exhibition series, while others are heading north to join Triple-A Worcester. A few key players are staying back to train at Fenway South before reuniting with the team in Arlington, Texas for their season opener on Thursday. Manager Alex Cora has been keeping roster decisions close to the vest, creating an air of mystery around the final 26-man squad.
In recent days, the Red Sox have been making roster cuts gradually, informing players of their fate in stages. With righty Quinn Priester being sent down and Adam Ottavino opting out of his minor league contract, the team is down to 43 players in camp, including 11 non-roster invitees. However, the final 26-man roster is closer to being set than it may appear. The pitching staff, in particular, is nearing completion with only a few spots up for grabs.
The Red Sox have locked in nine pitchers for the roster, including starters Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, and Walker Buehler, along with bullpen arms like Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks. With only a handful of spots left to fill, the competition is heating up among remaining candidates for both the rotation and the bullpen. The decision on a closer is still pending, but signs point to Chapman taking on the role.
On the position player side, the Red Sox have 13 locks for the roster, with players like Triston Casas, Trevor Story, and Alex Bregman expected to lead the charge. The outfield trio of Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu is set, with Rob Refsnyder providing depth. The catching duties will be split between Connor Wong and Carlos Narvaez, solidifying the roster.
As the team prepares for the season opener, they are also gearing up for a two-game exhibition series in Monterrey, Mexico. Key players, including top prospects, will be part of the 30-man squad traveling for the games against Sultanes de Monterrey. The Red Sox are fine-tuning their roster, making final decisions on players and gearing up for an exciting start to the season.
Overall, the Red Sox are in the final stages of shaping their roster for the upcoming season, with only a few spots left to be filled. As they head to Texas for their first game, the team is focused on building a competitive squad that can make an impact in the league. With key decisions still pending, the Red Sox are poised for an exciting start to the season.