WooSox Chronicles: Red Sox Camp Made An Impact On Prospects and Veterans Alike

Worcester, Ma — Opening Day always brings about difficult roster decisions. For all the players who are beginning the season in the minor leagues, the fact they were cut is not always a negative one.

Instead, the experience of just being in a major-league camp was a positive for them. Young players were fortunate to learn from guys who have had successful, long careers or just pick up little things they wouldn’t normally think of. Mikey Romero being a huge beneficiary of the overall experience.

“There were a lot of things that AC [Alex Cora] helped me with. Turning the double play, fielding the ground ball then turning it. So a lot of little things I picked up on,” Romero (TalkSox’s 6th ranked prospect) explained when asked about his time at Red Sox camp. Getting to work with a former major league infielder who played the same positions he did, Romero was able to improve in areas of his game that often fly under the radar.

The infielder admitted that during his time in major-league camp, he just wanted to be a sponge, soaking in as much information as he possibly could, especially when it came to defense. For Romero, he found himself with a great veteran to learn from during his time there.

“My locker was right next to [Isiah] Kiner-Falefa, and I felt like talking to him just about defense helped. He’s got a Gold Glove, so it would be foolish of me not to talk to him and he helped me a bunch. Specifically on double plays from second base. Turning double plays and starting double plays, using my legs, securing the ball. It was great to pick his brain,” Romero reiterated. Previously a shortstop, he had to learn both second base and third base during his time with Portland, the process being assisted by the advice and guidance from both Cora and Kiner-Falefa while at Fort Myers.

Of course, Romero wasn't the only one to benefit from the wisdom exuding from the Red Sox's spring training locker room. Worcester's roster is filled with players who got life-changing experiences.

“It was awesome, from start to finish. To get to start from the beginning of spring training and go through the whole thing, or I guess as long as I could, I enjoyed all of it,” relief pitcher Noah Song explained. For Song, the experience may have been one he once thought would be impossible. After getting drafted, he’s dealt with a series of injuries, received orders to report to flight school by the Navy, and then taken by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 Rule 5 draft. While his time with the Phillies led to him taking part in his first spring training, most of it was spent on the injured list. In contrast, his time with Boston allowed him to properly work on improving as a pitcher.

For others, it was the friendships that formed through accomplishments, as speedy outfielder Braiden Ward became a favorite not just of the fans, but also the clubhouse as he approached the spring training stolen base record. The outfielder, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Colorado, didn’t realize he was close to the record until he had 14 stolen bases.

“I think I got to the 14th [stolen base] and saw on Twitter someone mention it [the record]. Then AC mentioned it and then the entire clubhouse was telling me to go get it. It was an inside thing for us,” Ward explained on media day about his now-record 19 stolen bases. Since making his WooSox debut on March 27, Ward has showcased his dynamic speed with three stolen bases, including one that occurred when Syracuse attempted to pick him off of first base.

While spring training records may not mean much in the long run, Ward’s race to the top of the stolen base ranks gave everyone something to root for when the repetitive days of spring training grew long.

Another young player who managed to take advantage of his first spring training to was Tyler Uberstine, who really impressed Red Sox brass with his versatility on the mound.

“I had [different] roles, whether it was coming out of the pen for an inning, two innings or three innings. Just kind of taken to what they give me,” Uberstine explained as he showcased the desire to go out and compete. He knew that he was one of the new guys in camp, and did whatever was asked of him.

Pitching in four games during spring training, Uberstine learned more about what was expected from a pitcher at the top level off the field, as he spent time with veterans who have had long, quality careers.

“The biggest thing for me, was just observing,” Uberstine explained when asked what the biggest thing he took from spring training was. Uberstine opened his season on March 28, pitching four innings and allowing just one run on two hits and a walk. He also struck out three.

“You’re around guys that are super successful at the big league level for a long time. Sonny [Gray], Chap [Aroldis Chapman]. For me, it’s taking bits and pieces and chatting with them and figuring out or maybe learn something new from them for my routine. Just chatting with them, picking their brain and observing their routines.”

It wasn’t just young guys making their spring training debuts either, as the Red Sox brought back veteran Mickey Gasper to the organization after he spent the 2025 season with the Minnesota Twins. Gasper, who first appeared in spring training in 2023, relished the opportunity to return to Boston and compete for a spot on the roster.

“I got chills,” Gasper explained when asked about his reunion with the Red Sox. “I was thrilled. I loved playing for this organization. The development, the attention to detail, the finding to get one percent better and be a [better] big leaguer is the soul focus here. Trying to win games. It’s something I really appreciate in an organization.”

Gasper put on a show in spring training, as he appeared in 16 games and hit .345/.441/.621 with a triple, two home runs, and seven RBIs. While he didn’t make the big-league roster, he put his name out there as someone who could help out at catcher or first base if needed.

While the season is still young, Gasper has stayed hot at the plate as in three games with Worcester; he’s hitting .417/.500/.583 with two doubles and three RBIs. Defensively, the team has had him play both catcher and first base while also getting a turn at designated hitter during their opening weekend series against the Syracuse Mets

Spring Training never goes how everyone wants it, but for those who grind through the daily workouts and routines in Fort Myers, fighting to make it to the majors, they won’t forget the memories and lessons taught to them by players and coaches who previously were in the same spot they are in.

Interested in learning more about the Boston Red Sox's top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!