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Brayan Bello Brayan Bello Roughed up by Toronto Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 6:51 PM Bello allowed four runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision. Analysis: Bello got off to a rocky start in his first action of the spring, as he was touched up for four runs in the top of the first inning and then removed in the middle of the frame after hurling 24 pitches. He would return for the top of the second inning and responded well by firing a scoreless frame. Bello put together the best season of his young career a year ago, posting a 3.35 ERA with 124 strikeouts over 166.2 innings, so there's little reason to worry about a poor outing this early in the spring.
Nate Eaton Nate Eaton Perfect day at plate Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 5:29 PM Eaton went 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. Analysis: Eaton didn't draw the start Sunday, but he took advantage of his opportunities after entering the game in the top of the sixth inning. He drove home a run in the bottom of the sixth on a double to left field, and returned to the dish later that same inning to deliver a ground-rule double to plate Braiden Ward. This is a great start to camp for Eaton, who is competing for a bench spot on the Opening Day roster.
Patrick Sandoval Patrick Sandoval May open season on IL Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 11:55 AM Sandoval's early-spring progression in camp indicates it's possible he opens the season on the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Sandoval is working his way back from Tommy John surgery that prevented him from pitching in 2025, but the southpaw recently threw a live batting practice session. However, Sandoval isn't among the scheduled starters for the first six Grapefruit League games that manager Alex Cora revealed to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com last Thursday. The competition for the final spot in the rotation includes Sandoval, Kutter Crawford (wrist), Connelly Early, Johan Oviedo and Payton Tolle.
Payton Tolle Payton Tolle Makes spring debut Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 11:44 AM Tolle allowed one run on one hit and struck out one over two innings in Saturday's spring game against the Twins. Analysis: Tolle mixed in secondary offerings to kick off the Grapefruit League slate for Boston, which is the team's goal for the left-hander. He added sinkers, curves, changeups, cutters and one slider to the mix among his 20 pitches (13 strikes). The one run allowed came on a Royce Lewis home run off his four-seamer, after he couldn't put the Twins third baseman away with a changeup. Other than that, it was a fine outing for the 23-year-old, who is competing for the final spot in the rotation against Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early and two veterans that didn't throw a pitch in 2025, Kutter Crawford (wrist) and Patrick Sandoval (elbow).
Roman Anthony Roman Anthony Named leadoff hitter Sat, Feb 21, 2026, 8:28 AM Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Anthony will serve as the Red Sox's main leadoff hitter to begin the regular season, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Anthony took over as the Red Sox's leadoff man midway through the 2025 campaign, and he'll officially remain at the top of the order in 2026 after posting a .396 OBP in 71 big-league contests last season. The 21-year-old outfielder made three appearances as a leadoff hitter against southpaws last year, but it's unclear if the Red Sox plan to drop him further down the order when faced with a lefty-on-lefty matchup.
Marcelo Mayer Marcelo Mayer Not locked into starting job Fri, Feb 20, 2026, 8:50 AM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Mayer will have to earn his way onto the Opening Day roster, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Mayer remains a likely bet to be in Boston's lineup on Opening Day in Cincinnati, but a job will not be handed to him, with Cora noting the young infielder must improve his offense after posting a 80 wRC+ in the majors last season. What position Mayer is likely to fill hasn't been determined yet. The Red Sox had previously indicated a desire to put him at third base, but early on in camp Mayer has mostly played second base, with Caleb Durbin handling the hot corner.
Johan Oviedo Johan Oviedo Team wants more explosion Fri, Feb 20, 2026, 6:06 AM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that coaches are working with Oviedo to be more explosive with his delivery, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "Just a big dude that we gotta get moving," Cora said of the 6-foot-6, 275-pound right-hander. "Not work faster as far as like tempo, but move faster. And I think we accomplished that today." Analysis: Oviedo threw a two-inning live batting practice Thursday, and the manager said he's getting closer to what coaches are looking for. Cora also raved about the right-hander's extension, but strike-throwing remains key for the hurler, whose first spring start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Twins. Oviedo appears to be the frontrunner for a spot at the back end of the rotation. One candidate, Kutter Crawford (wrist), could open the season on the injured list, and two others, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, may begin the year at Triple-A Worcester. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval is also in the mix, but he missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury.
Kutter Crawford Kutter Crawford Could begin season on injured list Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 10:14 AM Crawford (wrist/illness) could begin the season on the injured list, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Crawford is behind other pitchers in Red Sox camp following last year's right wrist surgery and a recent bout with the flu. He's throwing off the mound, but with several other candidates to fill the last spot in their rotation, the Red Sox could choose to slow-play Crawford after he missed the entire 2025 campaign. Crawford made 33 starts for Boston in 2024, posting a 4.36 ERA and 175:51 K:BB over 183.2 innings.
Brendan Rodgers Brendan Rodgers Healthy, competing for utility gig Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 3:01 PM Rodgers (back) is fully healthy for the start of spring training and will compete for a utility role on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: After signing a one-year deal with the Astros last February, Rodgers was limited to just 43 games at the big-league level in 2025. He initially missed time due to an oblique strain, then was involved in a nasty on-field collision during a minor-league rehab assignment in July in which he sustained a concussion as well as back, knee and hip injuries. He was able to resume his rehab assignment in late August before being shut down after one game, but after a full offseason to heal up from his injuries, Rodgers looks to be back to 100 percent. A Gold Glove Award winner at second base with the Rockies in 2022, Rodgers will need to prove he can capably handle other infield positions during the spring in order to boost his chances of making the roster as a utility player.
Marcelo Mayer Marcelo Mayer Takes grounders at 2B Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 7:40 AM Mayer has taken infield practice exclusively at second base during the first few days of camp, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: One storyline during camp is how manager Alex Cora deploys Mayer and Caleb Durbin, who has been used exclusively at third base thus far. Both infielders have experience at second and third base, and it's likely each will get reps at the two positions. "Everybody will benefit from reps, but we'll make a decision, probably sooner rather than later," Cora said. "We're not going to be waiting." A better indicator of the manager's plans should emerge when the Red Sox begin spring games this weekend.
Jake Bennett Jake Bennett Impressing in Red Sox camp Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 11:22 AM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Bennett has been "impressive" so far in camp, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Pitching coach Andrew Bailey has also liked what he's seen so far from the left-handed Bennett, saying "there's a ton to dream on there." Acquired from the Nationals in December for Luis Perales, Bennett held a 2.27 ERA and 64:19 K:BB over 75.1 innings covering three levels in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox have a potential need in left-handed relief but will keep Bennett stretched out as a starter in the minors to begin the 2026 season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Isiah Kiner-Falefa Gettings reps at first Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 5:09 PM Kiner-Falefa is getting work at first base early in spring training due to the absences of Triston Casas (knee) and Romy Gonzalez (shoulder), Sean McAdam of Masslive.com reports. Analysis: Casas continues to recover from major knee surgery last May, and Gonzalez has been shelved since September due to a left shoulder injury. Kiner-Falefa has typically served at second base, third and shortstop during his major-league career, but the veteran utility man could get some looks at first during spring training and early in the regular season behind Willson Contreras.
Tanner Houck Tanner Houck Begins throwing program Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 5:05 PM Houck (elbow) began a throwing program Monday with 25 throws from 45 feet, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: It's the first time he's thrown a baseball since he underwent a UCL reconstruction and flexor tendon repair six months ago. Houck will continue a deliberate rehab process over the next several months and hopes to make a late-season return, but it's likely the Red Sox will hold him back until 2027.
Connor Wong Connor Wong Set for backup catcher role in 2026 Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 2:37 PM Wong (hand) took part in live batting practice Monday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Wong reported to camp last week and appears to be fully healthy after he underwent a carpal boss excision procedure on his right hand back on Oct. 9. The hand issue perhaps played a factor in Wong's dramatic drop in production in 2025, when his OPS fell to .500 over his 188 plate appearances after he had posted a .758 OPS the season prior. Carlos Narvaez ended up overtaking Wong on the depth chart, and manager Alex Cora relayed Saturday that Narvaez "earned the right" to be the team's starter heading into 2026, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Cora added that Wong's solid defense behind the plate should allow him to play more frequently than the typical backup catcher, and the 29-year-old could also be an option to make starts first base when Willson Contreras needs a day off.
Romy Gonzalez Romy Gonzalez Yet to begin baseball activities Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 1:57 PM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that Gonzalez (shoulder) has yet to begin baseball activities, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: Gonzalez injured his left shoulder late last regular season and was given a platelet-rich plasma injection in January after experiencing renewed discomfort. The Red Sox are hopeful that he will be ready in time for Opening Day, but there seems to be some uncertainty about Gonzalez's status. Once he's ready, the right-handed-hitting Gonzalez is slated to see regular playing time against left-handed pitching.
Caleb Durbin Caleb Durbin Looks healthy for camp Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 11:23 AM Durbin (elbow) was spotted taking part in infield drills during Monday's full-squad workout, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Durbin underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right elbow in late October, but he doesn't look like he'll be operating with any restrictions in his first spring training with the Red Sox, who acquired him last week in a six-player deal with the Brewers. During his rookie campaign with Milwaukee, Durbin served as the team's primary third baseman and was a threat on the basepaths (18 steals in 24 attempts) and made contact at an elite clip (9.9 percent strikeout rate), but his 26.9 percent hard-hit rate ranked in the fourth percentile of all batted and limited his slugging production. With that in mind, Durbin's bat may profile better at second base rather than third base, but the Red Sox will likely give him a look at both positions throughout the spring.
Masataka Yoshida Masataka Yoshida Enters camp in limbo Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 9:13 AM Yoshida's role for the 2026 roster is uncertain entering training camp, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Yoshida enters the fourth year of a five-year contract having underwhelmed since his arrival in Boston. Injuries have played a part, but the 32-year-old has also been passed on the depth chart by younger options. A shoulder injury to open 2025 limited him to 55 regular-season games in which he recorded an unremarkable slash line of .266/.307/.388, but an .837 OPS during the month of September suggests the shoulder was still an issue most of the year. Designated hitter appears to be his best fit, but the Red Sox also need to figure out a spot for Triston Casas (knee) when he's cleared to play, and the team already has four other outfielders pushing for regular at-bats.
Triston Casas Triston Casas Doing individual drills Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 9:00 AM Casas (knee) will be doing individual drills when the Red Sox have their first full-squad workout Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: He'll be taking part in drills similar to the rest of the team. For the first time in three seasons, Casas does not enter camp as the primary starter at first base, as offseason trade acquisition Willson Contreras will handle the position. That leaves designated hitter as a potential landing spot for Casas once he's healthy, and he could provide a boost to a lineup that, on paper, lacks power. Any of Boston's four main outfielders could also slot in at DH, however, and Masataka Yoshida will be in the mix as well. Casas, who is recovering from May 2025 knee surgery, isn't expected to be ready for game action by Opening Day.
Payton Tolle Payton Tolle Looking to protect fastball Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 8:35 AM Tolle plans to mix in more secondary offerings to complement his fastball during the upcoming season, Christoper Smith of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Over his 16.1 regular-season innings in the big leagues last season, Tolle's fastball averaged 96.7 miles per hour with a perceived speed of 98.7 mph due to extension and ride. The heater can be a weapon for the young left-hander, but opponents were able to hit the pitch in 2025, going 13-for-46 (.283 average) against it with a .565 slugging percentage. That's likely due to Tolle's heavy reliance on the offering, which he threw 64.1 percent of the time. Tolle feels his changeup -- which he threw just 6.9 percent of the time -- can be featured more often in 2026. Though Tolle will be given the chance to compete for the fifth spot in Boston's Opening Day rotation this spring, the fact that the 23-year-old has minor-league options remaining could work against him. Along with Tolle, Kutter Crawford, Connelly Early, Johan Oviedo and Patrick Sandoval are vying for back-end rotation spots.
Carlos Narvaez Carlos Narvaez Expected to remain starting catcher Sat, Feb 14, 2026, 6:52 PM Narvaez (knee) will serve as Boston's starting catcher again in 2026, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: According to manager Alex Cora, Narvaez's knee was a problem throughout the entire 2025 season. Narvaez was able to avoid the injured list and remained an excellent defensive backstop, but the injury helps explain his offensive downturn in the second half (.187/.233/.387). Following a left knee meniscectomy in October, Narvaez will slot back in as the No. 1 catcher for the Red Sox ahead of Connor Wong.