With Fenway Fest behind us and the 2025 season firmly in the rearview mirror, 2026 spring training can’t come soon enough. Still, several former Boston Red Sox who once called Fenway home remain without a job as spring approaches.
The Red Sox probably won't reunite with any of them, since their needs are clearly defined in the infield. But as Opening Day nears, we'll have our eyes on where these former Sox might land (if they land anywhere).
2 former Red Sox still without a job as spring training approaches
Alex Verdugo
One player who divided the Boston fanbase has struggled immensely following a controversial start to his career, Alex Verdugo, was once a top prospect in the Dodgers’ elite farm system. However, most fans remember him as the main return in Chaim Bloom’s disastrous Mookie Betts trade, which still needs no reminder for Boston fans.
Verdugo showed promise at the plate in Boston, hitting for a .281 average over four seasons from 2020-23. But his success at the plate decreased every year.
“Yeah, he hit for average, but he can be a lot better baserunning and defensively,” manager Alex Cora told MassLive in October 2022.
After several public clashes with Cora over hustle and effort, along with multiple off-the-field incidents, Verdugo’s career began to nosedive. Craig Breslow managed to salvage some value by crossing the Rubicon and shipping Verdugo to the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season.
Verdugo’s immaturity was not limited to Boston, as his 2024 season in the Bronx featured more minor altercations and recurring character concerns. He signed a one-year deal with the Braves for 2025, but delivered a largely underwhelming season, slashing .239/.296/.289 with no home runs and 12 RBI in 56 games.
Verdugo was released by Atlanta after clearing waivers on July 5. Still just 29, the once-promising outfielder now finds himself on the sidelines, waiting for a call.
Lucas Giolito
One player that fans may be surprised is still unsigned is workhorse starting pitcher Lucas Giolito. Giolito, once an All-Star and a Cy-Young candidate, had a career revival in Boston last season. Giolito threw seven seasons for the White Sox, working a 4.20 ERA over 162 starts.
In 2023, Giolito was traded to the Angels, and his career was flipped upside down as his ERA ballooned to 6.97 with short stints with the Angels and Guardians.
In January 2024, Giolito signed a one-year deal for the Sox, but a March UCL surgery kept him out until 2025. Giolito exercised his $19 million player option and was back to fight for a spot in the rotation after multiple years without any significant production on the mound.
After several injuries to the Red Sox rotation, Giolito earned his way up to the third starting slot behind only Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello. His consistent two-seam fastball and his slow-as-molasses change-up arsenal led to a shockingly successful return season.
After a few rough outings early in the year, Giolito steadily improved, finishing with 10 wins and a 3.41 ERA. As Giolito helped the Sox clinch their first postseason berth since 2021, he unfortunately missed the playoffs due to elbow soreness.
Following his strong season, Giolito declined his option and entered free agency. That decision may end up backfiring, as the right-hander remains unsigned and waiting for an opportunity.