Red Sox Face Roster Decisions as Spring Training Nears

Boston's front office has several key questions to address before camp opens

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:31pm

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As the Boston Red Sox equipment truck heads to Fort Myers, Florida for the start of spring training, the team faces several compelling storylines heading into the 2026 season. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow must decide how to address openings in the infield, navigate an overflow of starting pitching talent, and determine the roles of first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Masataka Yoshida.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season and return to contention in the AL East. The decisions Breslow makes this spring will shape the team's roster and lineup, with implications for both the short-term and long-term future of the franchise.

The details

The Red Sox have a recent history of making key acquisitions once spring training has already started, and that trend is expected to continue this year. Names like Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw of the Cubs have been mentioned as potential trade targets to fill the void at infield left by Alex Bregman's departure. The team also has an abundance of starting pitching options, including Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Ranger Suárez, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo, potentially leading to a trade to address other roster needs. Additionally, the Red Sox must determine how to integrate first baseman Triston Casas, who is recovering from injury, and outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who has shown promise but struggled to stay healthy.

  • The Red Sox's equipment truck departed Fenway Park earlier this week, headed to Fort Myers, Florida.
  • Spring training for the Red Sox is set to begin in less than a week.

The players

Craig Breslow

The Red Sox's chief baseball officer, responsible for shaping the team's roster and making key personnel decisions.

Triston Casas

The Red Sox's first baseman, who has suffered major injuries in each of the last two seasons and is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season as he recovers.

Masataka Yoshida

The Red Sox's outfielder, who has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to stay healthy and put together a full season.

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What they’re saying

“Given the excitement on that day, it's hard to believe Bregman is already gone. But that is life in the world of opt-outs, and Bregman exercised his in November, leaving the current opening in the infield.”

— Ian Browne, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to explore trade options to fill the void in the infield left by Alex Bregman's departure, with names like Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw of the Cubs continuing to be mentioned as potential targets.

The takeaway

The Red Sox face a number of key roster decisions this spring, from addressing openings in the infield to managing an abundance of starting pitching talent and determining the roles of Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida. These decisions will have significant implications for the team's chances of returning to contention in the AL East in 2026.