When the hot stove gets going, all the rumors surround the top of the market players. Reports are all about who is courting the big slugger or which teams are trying to trade for the top pitcher. It becomes the focus of all the fans, and role players fall under the radar.
Role players are the lifeline of baseball teams, though. Baseball isn't just about one player; it's about the whole team, and all 10 spots on the lineup card need to be filled in. Those under-the-radar role players can be the difference makers.
While this offseason the Boston Red Sox will be focused on major upgrades, there will be role players added to the roster that will be difference makers in 2026. Here's who they could be.
3 under-the-radar free agents the Red Sox should target this offseason
Chris Bassitt
The Blue Jays starter will be 37 at the start of next season, but still showed he's got stuff left in the tank. Bassitt made 31 starts and one bullpen appearance in 2025, to the tune of a 3.96 ERA. He pitched at least 170 innings for the fourth straight season.
Bassitt wouldn't be a flashy signing, but he eats innings and will bring much-needed playoff experience, which the Sox's rotation lacks. The righty has made seven playoff appearances out of the 'pen for the Jays in 2025, including two in the World Series. He can be the four or five in the Red Sox's rotation, and if he does start to break down, they will have the depth to deal with it.
Devin Williams
Before 2025, Williams was considered one of the best closers in baseball. Then, he struggled mightily through the entire 2025 campaign in New York. He had a 4.79 ERA in 62 innings and lost the closer role. A year ago, Williams was looking like the next $100 million closer; now, he'll likely get a one-year deal to rebuild his value.
Even after having the lowest bullpen ERA in the AL last season, the Sox will look to improve there. The righty could be the perfect addition. The Red Sox don't need him as a late-inning guy with Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman back there, but if Andrew Bailey can help him find his All-Star form, then they would have a three-headed monster in the late innings. If he flops, then the other two already showed they can handle it.
Dylan Moore
The longtime Mariner was designated for assignment in late August after he struggled at the plate. He signed with Texas a few days later and picked it up offensively. Despite the offensive struggles, Moore was still a positive WAR player due to his defense at second base. While he is a good defender at second, he can play all around the diamond.
Second base is a position Boston will likely look to address this offseason. While Moore shouldn't be an everyday starter, signing him to platoon there with lefties Marcelo Mayer or David Hamilton to start the season makes a lot of sense. The positional versatility will make the righty a good bench piece if he loses starting time, and he is a good base stealer as well. It certainly won't make headlines, but he is the type of role player that Alex Cora loves and could make impact plays over a long season.