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  • Boston Red Sox Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

    The latest Boston Red Sox free agent and trade rumors, along with notes and tidbits about the team.
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    Brandon Glick
    This isn't our usual type of note or rumor, but as the managing editor of the site, this is perhaps the most important thing I can share with this community.
    Our very own @Maddie Landis has been nominated as a SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) Award Finalist! Her piece on Vertical Approach Angle was very positively received on the site, and we knew right away that it was a special piece of analysis. It thrills me to see Maddie's name alongside revered writers and sites like The Athletic, FanGraphs, and Baseball Prospectus.
    If you haven't checked out the piece yet, I encourage you to do so. It's the kind of article that makes you smarter just by reading it, and it'll enhance your appreciation of pitcher analysis by many magnitudes.

    You can see the full list of SABR Award Finalists here.
    Nick John
    In need of opening a 40-man roster spot to complete the signing of Ranger Suárez, the Boston Red Sox authored a trade with the Minnesota Twins per MassLive's Chris Cotillo and the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
    Being shipped from Boston to Minnesota was Tristan Gray, the utility infielder having previously been acquired in a trade on November 18. Gray, who has played 47 career major-league games, was viewed as potential utility depth by the organization thanks in part to his ability to play all infield positions.
    In return, the Red Sox received minor-league catcher Nate Baez. Baez, a former 12th-round pick back in 2022 will turn 25 in mid-May. The young catcher made it to Double-A last season where he played in 51 games and hit .237/.297/.400 with eight doubles, four triples, five home runs, and 31 RBIs.
    Baez is the sixth minor-league catcher that Craig Breslow had added to the organization as the team has overhauled their catching depth.
    Fortunately for both Gray and Baez, neither will have many issues dealing with finding new housing for spring training, as both the Red Sox and Twins have their complexes in Fort Myers.
    Matthew Lenz
    Another day, another Boston Red Sox trade talks rumor. This time it involves the Houston Astros, who've they've previously discussed a trade with around third baseman Isaac Paredes. Well, he is still the primary target for the Red Sox; it appears the initial talks of Houston receiving a starting pitcher have shifted to an outfielder.
    Matt Couture of the Raise the Banner podcast is reporting that "talks continue" between the two teams and adds that outfielder Jarren Duran is the focal point for the Astros. Couture previously said to "keep an eye out" for a deal involving starting pitcher Brayan Bello. 
    Separately, Chandler Rome, who covers the Astros for The Athletic, said that there is "nothing close at this time" and that "Wilyer Abreu intrigues them maybe a little bit more than Duran." You might recall the Astros traded Abreu to the Red Sox at the 2022 trade deadline for catcher Christian Vazquez.
    Drop your hypothetical trade packages in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Boston Red Sox have fortified their rotation, but still have needs on the offensive side of the ball. While their primary need is for a third base, a recent report suggests they are also looking to improve elsewhere.
    Sean McAdam of MassLive is reporting that the Boston Red Sox "Remain Active" in the catcher market. They previously had been tied to J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini, but they have signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, respectively.
    Had they landed Realmuto, then incumbent backstop Carlos Narvaez likely would have moved to a backup role. On the other hand, a Caratini signing likely would have kept him in a starting role. With both guys off the market, the remaining catchers in free agency are not overly attractive options.
    Turning our sights to the trade market, there haven't been reports of available catchers; however, there is a lot of speculation that the Twins may shop Ryan Jeffers. Jeffers, 29, is in his final year of arbitration and will be a free agent following the 2026 season. He's a bat-first catcher who has a career .740 OPS (108 wRC+) and 68 home runs across 515 games. In 2025, he shifted his approach at the plate, sacrificing power for plate discipline and contact. Behind the dish, three years of mentorship from Cristian Vazquez didn't seem to impact his defensive acumen. He's a well below-average defensive catcher.
    If they do look to trade for a catcher (or a third baseman), Ed Hand of Beyond the Monster is reporting that Connelly Early and Payton Tolle would not be made available unless "the return is something truly elite." That leaves the logjam in the outfield or a big league starter like Brayan Bello as potential routes to acquiring a backstop to pair with Narvaez.
    Who do you think the Red Sox should target? Let us know in the comments!
    Alex Mayes
    Reportedly, the Red Sox and Astros are involved in discussions centered around Isaac Paredes in recent days. According to Matt Couture on Twitter.
    The Astros are intrigued by both Brayan Bello and Jarren Duran, both names that have been floated in countless trade rumors since the beginning of the offseason. For a deal of that magnitude, though, the Red Sox are looking for more in return than just a two-for-one swap. 
    Paredes makes a lot of sense as a target for the Sox and would fill a couple of different holes for the team. He’s a right-handed hitter and can play both third and second base. Either position needs to be addressed before spring training begins so Marcelo Mayer can begin working full-time at the other spot in the infield. It’s worth wondering who else the Red Sox may be targeting from the Astros to help facilitate a deal involving both Duran and Bello.
    What do you think? Should the Red Sox swing for a potential blockbuster deal by including Brayan Bello and Jarren Duran for a return headlined by Isaac Paredes? Sound off in the comments below!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Boston Red Sox have had an eventful and mostly successful offseason. While it's easy to focus on the whiff on Alex Bregman, the Red Sox have been able to significantly improve their rotation and add Willson Contreras to their roster. On Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided an update on a player who's been involved in trade rumors for months.
    Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Kansas City Royals are "unlikely to land" Jarren Duran. For a long time, the Royals and Red Sox seemed destined to make a deal, as one side had pitching to offer and the other needed pitching. However, this recent update suggests the Royals are satisfied, rolling with the options they currently have on their roster.
    This is all not to say that the Red Sox still won't try to move Duran, as they still have a traffic jam in the outfield with Masataka Yoshida, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu, along with Duran. That's five guys for three outfield spots and a DH. All the while, the Red Sox are still looking for help in the infield - specifically, third base.
    While most of the rumors had the targeting pitching in a trade, they may need to shift their sights to players who can play on the dirt.
    Of the five options, who do you think the Red Sox should try to move? Let us know in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    After missing out on Alex Bregman and landing Ranger Suarez, the Boston Red Sox are still looking to fill the hot corner with a bat. However, it doesn't appear reinforcements will come via two names they've been tied to for months.
    Alex Speier of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox are "unlikely suitors" for Bob Bichette and that the door on Ketel Marte is "firmly shut."
    If the Red Sox are going to add an impact bat that can handle the hot corner, then Eugenio Suarez is really the only player to fit that description on the market. Otherwise, they've been tied to Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros or could look to the Chicago Cubs, who might move one of Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner after landing Bregman. Other names on the market with less oomph include Yoan Moncada and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
     
    Who do you think the Red Sox should add? Let us know in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Boston Red Sox need to shift their sights after losing Alex Bregman to free agency. They have their work cut out for them as they try to rebuild some trust with a rightfully frustrated fan base. Ken Rosenthal has identified two different plan B options.
    Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that "some in the Red Sox organization are high on free agent LHP Ranger Suarez".
    Suarez, 30, has had a very productive stat to his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2025, he made 26 starts while throwing 157 1/3 innings. He posted a 3.20 ERA (3.21 FIP) and a 17.4% K-BB rate. MLBTR projected him to earn $115 million over five years in free agency this year.
    Additionally, Rosenthal speculated that Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs could be an Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette alternative.
    Hoerner, who will be a free agent following the 2026 season, may be available after the Chicago Cubs won the Bregman sweepstakes. Rosenthal speculates that it would take "a young pitcher such as Connelly Early or Payton Tolle" and is uncertain whether Red Sox brass would be willing to part ways with either asset for one year of Hoerner. Across 665 plate appearances, Hoerner carried an OPS of .739, a 109 wRC+, seven home runs, and 29 stolen bases. Though he primarily played second base in 2025, Hoerner has spent time at all positions aside from catcher, first base, and right field.
    Do you think the Red Sox should add either player? Let us know in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    With Alex Bregman in the rearview mirror, the Boston Red Sox are forced to move to Plan B to fill the gap at third base. While many expect the club to prioritize Bo Bichette, he does not represent the only middle of the order hot corner bat on the market.
    Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive I reporting that the Boston Red Sox "like" free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez. They add that it will be sooner rather than later for Suarez to find out if they will become serious bitters for his services.
    While Suarez is not as attractive of an option as Bregman or Bichette, however, Suarez provides legitimate 40+ home run potential. Something that can't be said for either of the other two free agents, they've been tied to. Of course, the biggest risk with Suarez is his strikeout rate that was approaching 30% in 2025 and his glove leaves a lot to be desired.
    Do you think the Red Sox should pursue Suarez, prioritize Bichette, or set their eyes on the pitching staff? Let us know in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    L.A.A.B. - Life After Alex Bregman. That's where the Red Sox are in their offseason after losing out on the superstar third baseman to the Chicago Cubs. While many expect the club to shift its sights to Bo Bichette, Eugenio Suarez, or another impact bat, Rob Bradford of WEEI suggests a different approach.
    In a recent tweet, Bradford suggested that the Red Sox "re-engage with higher-end pitching while still looking to acquire a lower-tier bat." Of course, Bichette and Suarez would not fit in the "lower-tier" category, so Bradford is merely suggesting to bolster the pitching staff's ability to prevent runs rather than the offense's ability to produce runs.
    After acquiring Sonny Gray earlier this offseason, the Red Sox's rotation is the strength of their team. Even with Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck on the shelf for most of 2025, pitchers three through five of the rotation are among the strongest in all of baseball. Additionally, the bullpen will look to continue to be good after a successful 2025 campaign. That really begs the question...just how big of a pitcher do they need to land for it really to make an impact on the outlook of the club? Would adding a #2 starter that bumps Patrick Sandoval out of the rotation really be better than adding a middle-of-the-order bat? Would adding another high-leverage arm that bumps a low-leverage arm like Jovani Moran off the roster or at least to Triple-A Wincester really be better than Bo Bichette? These are all things that the Red Sox need to weigh as they look to get back into the good graces of a fan base left in despair after Bregman bolted for the Windy City.
    Do you think the Red Sox should add pitching or hitting? Let us know in the comments!
    Nick John
    On the day before the team’s much celebrated Fenway Fest, Craig Breslow remained busy as he brought in more depth to the organization through a minor-league contract. Per SoxProspect’s Andrew Parker, the team has signed right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez. The deal also includes a non-roster invite to spring training.
    The 31-year-old provides Boston with another experienced arm as insurance for the bullpen that will most likely be kept in Worcester to begin the season. Martinez, who was drafted in 2016 by the then-Oakland Athletics, has spent parts of five seasons in the majors. The bulk of his time came from 2021 through the 2024 seasons as he appeared in 111 games out of the bullpen for the Houston Astros, tossing 137 1/3 innings.
    2025 was a rough year for Martinez, as he bounced around on waivers going from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Miami Marlins to the Seattle Mariners and then back to the Marlins all before the start of the season. Martinez spent most of the year in Triple-A pitching for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp before getting added to the roster on August 27. In total, he made six appearances and tossed 6 2/3 innings. Miami would go on to designate him for assignment on September 11 and Martinez became a free agent on September 13.
    Alex Mayes
    Trevor Story is hosting his informal “Story Camp” this week, and some familiar faces have joined the shortstop in Texas.
    Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Connor Wong, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, and Mikey Romero appear in all of the social media posts surrounding the event. When the first Story Camp was announced a few seasons ago, it seemed like a way for the veteran shortstop to connect with and mentor younger players while he was rehabbing from injury. Now though, it seems to be transforming into something different.
    With Duran, Wong, and Casas all being present. it showcases them putting in the extra work to improve on down or lost seasons in 2025. It also gives them more opportunities to work with members of the young core in Anthony and Mayer. Romero is penciled in to be the starting shortstop for the WooSox this season and working with Story can only help him improve at the position. Should Story go down with an injury, it’s likely Romero will be one of the first names called up to the big-league roster.
    Story Camp is a way for Trevor Story to further mentor the up-and-coming talent in the system. We can all hope that this extra time together will translate to positive results on the field in 2026.
    Nick John
    The Boston Red Sox have yet to sign a free agent to a major-league contract this offseason, but at least the team has remained engaged with several free agents. Currently,the team has a lack of left-handed relief options and with that in mind, the Red Sox have been linked to options such as Danny Coulombe, Tim Mayza, and Cionel Pérez as reported by MassLive's Chris Cotillo.
    The Red Sox currently have nine left-handed pitchers on the 40-man roster, but of them only three are currently viewed as relief options, and one is closer Aroldis Chapman. With just Jovani Morán and Tyler Samaniego as potential left-handed relievers for 2026 following the trades of Chris Murphy and Brennan Bernardino, it is only natural the team is looking to improve its reliever situation.
    Of the three relievers the team has been linked to, Coulombe is the most attractive option despite a late-season meltdown with the Texas Rangers. Coulombe split the 2025 season between Minnesota and Texas, appearing in 55 games and tossing 43 innings as he finished with a 2.30 ERA. To finish the season, Coulombe pitched in 15 games for Texas after being traded, but struggled as he walked nine batters in 12 innings while allowing three home runs. Should Coulombe pitch closer to how he did in Minnesota (and with Baltimore in 2023 and 2024: he struck out 90 batters in 81 innings while walking just 17) he would slot in immediately as a high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen.
    Both Mayza and Pérez had less successful seasons in 2025. Mayza pitched in just 15 games split between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, tossing 16 2/3 innings and striking out 15 batters. The lack of appearances was due to a lat strain that cost him a good portion of the season. While healthy, he had an 87th percentile extension at 6.9 feet, a trait that the Red Sox have been interested in the past couple seasons. He also is a ground ball pitcher and could do well if the Sox continue to improve their infield defense.
    Pérez struggled in 2025, appearing in 19 games with Baltimore while tossing 21 2/3 innings. In that span, he struggled with his command, allowing 18 walks. Pérez was designated for assignment in late May and spent the rest of the season with Triple-A Norfolk where his struggles continued. In 22 1/3 innings, he walked 19 batters and finished with a 6.85 ERA. While he had a 16.4% walk rate with Baltimore, he did manage to limit barrels as batters only barreled up his pitches 2.9% of the time. He also managed to get groundballs 60.9% of the time, something that could play well when paired with the Red Sox's infield.
    Alex Mayes
    The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey has verified that the Boston Red Sox have a contract offer on the table for Alex Bregman.
    She has reached out to the source that spoke to ESPN’s Buster Olney last week and confirmed that the offer is indeed “aggressive”. The full details of the offer are unknown at this point, and aggressive likely means different things to all parties involved. What this does show is that the Red Sox are still actively trying to improve the team and have at least some amount of comfort with handing out multi-year offers to free agents.
    The ball is in Bregman’s court, though, as the Red Sox are far from the only team currently vying for his services. Speculation all offseason has had him returning to Boston, but it’s far from a sure thing, even with this offer in hand. Bregman is represented by mega-agent Scott Boras, so this offer is likely being used to leverage other teams while attempting to gauge if this is actually the best offer Boston will make.
    Until we know more, we’re all playing the waiting game together.
    Nick John
    The Boston Red Sox have begun to add to their spring training roster, naming seven non-roster invitees. While most names on the list are of no surprise, it also doesn’t close the book on other players being added as a non-roster invitee the closer we get to the team reporting to Fort Myers.
    The group of seven are made up of catcher Jason Delay, infielder Vinny Capra, right-handed pitchers Osvaldo Berrios, Hobie Harris, and Devin Sweet and left-handed pitchers Alec Gamboa and T.J. Sikkema. Among the seven players announced, six of them signed minor-league deals with the Red Sox across the offseason while the seventh (Harris) re-signed with the Red Sox on a minor-league contract back at the end of September. While non-roster invitees may not seem all too exciting, they help create competition in camp for the final few roster spots, along with exciting storylines. And, sometimes, they may even break camp with the team. Last season, the team saw non-roster invitees Kristian Campbell and Sean Newcomb make the team, while the likes of Trayce Thompson, Matt Moore, and Adam Ottavino created discussion pertaining to the back end of the roster.
    Overall, the group is comprised of veterans who have either limited experience in the majors or have spent several seasons in the minors as they attempt to showcase why they should be in the major leagues. Of the seven, four have some time spent on a major-league roster.
    Sikkema, a left-handed pitcher, signed with the Red Sox shortly before the announcement. Now 27 years old, he was a former first-round pick by the Yankees back in 2019 (39th overall). Last season, he split time in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization as he played for both Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.
    Nick John
    The Boston Red Sox and right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford have come to an agreement on a one-year deal for the 2026 season. The contract, which allows both sides to avoid heading to an arbitration hearing, is worth $2.75 million, which is the same amount Crawford made in 2025.
    Crawford, who missed the entire 2025 season due to various injuries, has been part of the Red Sox's pitching staff since making a spot start in 2021. The right-hander has bounced between the bullpen and rotation, but in 2024 was a key member of the rotation as he made 33 starts and tossed 183 2/3 innings. While home runs were an issue for Crawford in 2024, he provided the rotation with an arm that could provide innings every fifth day.
    It's uncertain what Crawford's role will be in 2026, but he should be one of the top candidates for the final job in the rotation behind Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo.
    The Red Sox have four arbitration-eligible players yet to agree to a deal. The team has until Thursday to come to an agreement with Triston Casas, Tanner Houck, Johan Oviedo, and Romy González.
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