Across MLB, former Boston Red Sox players are gearing up for another season with their new clubs. Some have fared quite well, but we can't say the same for everyone.
The Red Sox's roster is largely the same this year as it was in 2024, with a few noteworthy absences after players reached free agency and signed with other clubs. Spring training performances don't count for much in the long run, but they may be the factor that determines which former Sox fans may see in the big leagues in the early goings of the coming campaign.
Here are two former Red Sox who have struggled this spring training and two more who have balled out.
2 former Red Sox failing miserably in spring training
Bobby Dalbec
Bobby Dalbec changed his Sox this winter when he departed the Red Sox organization after he was designated for assignment in September and elected free agency two months later. Dalbec signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox as they're in the throes of a deep rebuild, but he still may not crack their Opening Day roster.
The corner infielder is slashing .167/.231/.167, with four hits, all singles, and one run in 14 games. Andrew Vaughn is likely to earn the starting job at first base and Miguel Vargas looks like the best choice at the hot corner. Dalbec may become a fixture of another Triple-A team this coming season.
Michael Wacha
Michael Wacha pitched out of the Red Sox's rotation in 2022, and he's since posted two equally solid seasons for the Padres and Royals. The righty signed a three-year extension with Kansas City just days after the 2024 World Series concluded, and it's only spring, but he hasn't looked great so far.
Wacha has logged an 8.31 ERA, allowing 12 runs on 15 hits over 13 innings of work. He can still miss bats, though, with 18 strikeouts to his name in Cactus League play. Despite his rough spring, Wacha will still likely win a spot near the front of the Royals' rotation alongside 2024 Cy Young Award contenders Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans.
2 former Red Sox dominating in spring training
Tyler O'Neill
As the Red Sox this offseason pursued free agent outfielder Juan Soto, the Orioles snuck up and signed their 2024 home run leader, Tyler O'Neill. The slugger posted a rebound season with Boston and mashed 31 homers in just 113 games. There was mutual interest in a return to the Red Sox for O'Neill, but Baltimore got to him first.
O'Neill is batting .308/.357/.500 with eight hits, one homer and one double, three runs and four RBI in 10 appearances. The 29-year-old is a lock for the O's Opening Day roster after they lost Anthony Santander in free agency, and O'Neill is gunning to continue his MLB record of consecutive Opening Days with a home run.
Dominic Smith
Red Sox Nation fell in love with Dominic Smith last season when he came in to play first base while Triston Casas recovered from his rib injury for four months. Smith endeared himself to fans quickly with his positive attitude and solid defense, and it was a huge blow for some Sox fans when he signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in January.
Smith has stood out in New York's spring training with a .297/.289/.568 slash line with 11 hits, three of them homers, over 13 games. Smith continued dominating this spring when he opted out of his Yankees contract on March 21. His great Grapefruit League performance could help him secure another contract quickly.