Boston Red Sox: Breaking down Spring Training 2022 non-roster invitees

Hitters who might make the Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster

Rob Refsnyder is probably the one in this group that was the closest to “not making it”. He still faces a pretty big uphill battle, but it’s not impossible. The right-handed hitter can play first, second, third, and the outfield. That helps a little bit. So does the fact that he played for the Yankees for a while, giving the Red Sox a chance to see him a lot. He was solid the Minnesota Twins last year too, that also helps.

Franchy Cordero did not impress in the Majors last year with Boston. A .189/.237/.260 slash line in 48 games isn’t going to win many people over. He looked great in Triple-A though, slashing .300/.398/.533 in 78 games. Maybe he fixed his swing a little bit there, and can finally figure out how to strikeout a little bit less and connect for a few more of those absolute moonshots. Not the best odds, but not out of the picture that he makes it.

Yolmer Sanchez didn’t hit good last year, and that was in Triple-A. He’s a career-.245 hitter in the Majors though. It’s not great, but it’s not terrible. Oh, and the infielder won a Gold Glove in 2019. He can play multiple positions and is clearly going to help with the glove. If he puts up some strong offensive numbers in Spring Training the Red Sox might be convinced.

Speaking of defense, Ryan Fitzgerald is an absolute wizard at shortstop. He can handle second and third as well. And he’s even spent time in the outfield and at first base. Fitzgerald is a good bat with solid pop, and elite defense. He’s never been to the Majors before, but something tells me he could really contribute nicely. A strong showing could give him a chance.

Robert Ramos may not have much of a chance according to some people. The 27-year-old has never been to the Majors and wasn’t even in the Red Sox system last year. Even crazier, he hasn’t played since 2019. What did he do that year though? The left-handed hitter slashed .309/.400/.580 with 30 home runs and 105 RBI in Triple-A. Is it the most likely thing? Absolutely not. But Ramos can swing and if that shows in Spring Training, maybe Boston gives him a shot.

Triston Casas is the main attraction here. One of the best prospects in baseball showed out in the Olympics last year. He also slashed .279/.394/.484 in 86 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Now that being said, the left-handed hitter only spent nine games in Triple-A. So a lot of people might want him to get more time there first. If he puts up big numbers in Spring Training though, there’s no reason for the Red Sox to not give him a roster spot on Opening Day.