Red Sox to Make First Round of 2026 Roster Cuts

Boston's starting rotation and bullpen spots remain up for grabs as spring training winds down.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox are set to make their first round of roster cuts on Monday as the team nears the final stages of preparation for the 2026 MLB season. The starting rotation, particularly the fifth spot, and the bullpen remain areas of uncertainty, with several players competing for those roles.

Why it matters

The Red Sox roster decisions will have a significant impact on the team's outlook for the upcoming season. The composition of the starting rotation and bullpen can greatly influence the team's performance and chances of success.

The details

The Red Sox are expected to make tough decisions on the fifth starter spot, with Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle vying for the role. Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval have also been mentioned as possibilities, but have yet to make their spring training debuts. Catcher is another position to watch, with Connor Wong the incumbent backup but Matt Thaiss making a strong case in camp. The bullpen also remains unsettled, with Kyle Keller and Noah Song among those fighting for roster spots.

  • The Red Sox will make their first round of roster cuts on Monday, March 11, 2026.
  • Spring training has been ongoing for several weeks leading up to the roster decisions.

The players

Johan Oviedo

A pitcher competing for the fifth spot in the Red Sox starting rotation.

Connelly Early

A pitcher competing for the fifth spot in the Red Sox starting rotation.

Payton Tolle

A pitcher competing for the fifth spot in the Red Sox starting rotation.

Kutter Crawford

A pitcher mentioned as a possible option for the fifth spot in the Red Sox starting rotation.

Patrick Sandoval

A pitcher mentioned as a possible option for the fifth spot in the Red Sox starting rotation.

Connor Wong

The incumbent backup catcher for the Red Sox.

Matt Thaiss

A catcher who has made a strong case in spring training to earn a roster spot.

Kyle Keller

A pitcher competing for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen.

Noah Song

A pitcher competing for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“Sox will make their first round of cuts tomorrow, Alex Cora said.”

— Pete Abraham, Reporter (The Boston Globe)

What’s next

The Red Sox will announce the results of their first round of roster cuts on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Red Sox roster decisions leading up to Opening Day will be closely watched, as the team looks to solidify its starting rotation, bullpen, and backup catcher roles. These early cuts will set the stage for further roster moves and the final shaping of the 2026 Red Sox squad.