Taxi Squad
Any of the aforementioned options who don’t end up making the cut can still be among the 20 reserves on the practice squad. This group of “taxi” players could be called up later in the season. If this roster expansion is approved as outlined in the latest proposal, that could put as many as 50 players total on the radar, which means not everyone on the taxi squad will be from the current 40-man roster.
Some of the top lower-level prospects should be in the mix. Jeter Downs and Connor Wong, both of whom were acquired in the blockbuster trade with the Dodgers, should be in this group. Count Bryan Mata and Jarren Duran in the mix as well. These player aren’t major league ready but if there’s no minor league season for them to continue their development then they might as well be included on this practice squad.
Yoan Aybar and Marcus Wilson are on the 40-man roster but aren’t ready for the big leagues, which means they also belong in this group.
The Red Sox lost several key players to trades, free agency and injuries. This team has taken a step back on paper but the expanded rosters could help make up for some of the losses with improved depth if they can figure out how to mix-and-match the surplus of options effectively.