With September almost here and the Boston Red Sox firmly in playoff positioning, it’s time to start speculating who could be taking up the 27th and 28th roster spots that open on September 1.
If we’re being honest, the position player is likely just going to be Roman Anthony (as well as Trevor Story, Curtis Mead, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa all joining in, somehow). Meanwhile, the pitcher will be a returning Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, or, if we’re really lucky, Garrett Crochet.
However, let’s get funky. What if the Red Sox have those players return and still need another roster spot to fill? Let’s pretend someone else gets hurt, or the potential returning players aren’t ready yet, or some other wild scenario happens. Which prospects could be options to take on those 27th and 28th roster spots in September?
4 Red Sox prospects who could be out-of-the-box September call-ups
Angel Bastardo (RHP)
The Red Sox have a few arms in the Triple-A rotation they could use if they needed a spot start. Blake Wehunt and John Holobetz are legitimate options, but relief pitchers are where they are likely to lean. There are plenty of veteran options who will be considered, but I think Angel Bastardo deserves serious consideration no matter what happens.
Bastardo has been one of the best bullpen arms in the minor leagues since the start of July. In July, the right-handed reliever struck out 23 batters in 14 2/3 innings without walking a single batter. He’s walked five in 6 2/3 innings in August, but is 2-for-2 in save opportunities and has eight strikeouts.
Bastardo has gotten up to 99 MPH on his fastball and, as a former starter, could eat some innings if the Red Sox needed him to.
Jedixson Paez (RHP)
Jedixson Paez pitching for the Red Sox in 2026 would be a hell of a story. He was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in the Rule 5 Draft, made their Opening Day roster, and appeared in three major league games for them before being DFA’d and subsequently returned to the Red Sox.
That means he actually made his big league debut before he ever saw Double-A. Paez pitched well in Double-A Portland afterward, continuing his usual tradition of rarely walking anyone. A promotion to Triple-A hasn’t changed that. He’s even hitting 94 MPH on his fastball now, which is a big development.
Paez has been a starter most of his career, so he could give the Red Sox plenty of flexibility out of the bullpen or in a spot start role. His ability to throw strikes would be very welcome as well.
Franklin Arias (SS/2B)
Franklin Arias is the name everyone is waiting for, right? Even with some of the veterans returning, there are fans who would prefer the prospect.
Trevor Story has had a volatile career in Boston. It was pretty ugly for the first few seasons. However, he cleaned things up in 2025. The injuries and disappointing play have returned in 2026. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a good defender but doesn’t offer much defensively.
Arias is only 20 and doesn’t have much Triple-A experience. He brings the most potential of a spark, though. Arias is a very good defensive shortstop, and he’s looked solid at second base. He doesn’t whiff much and has dramatically improved his power this season.
It feels unlikely because the Red Sox might not want to burn the service time on Arias when they have so many other viable options, but he might be the best pick they have.
Mikey Romero (2B/3B)
Mikey Romero just doesn’t feel like he’s in the future plans for the Red Sox at this point. They keep signing or trading for players that fill in spots that could be his. Meanwhile, players such as Arias are rising fast.
That being said, Romero is still incredibly talented. He plays a decent third base and second base, and brings good power from the left side of the plate. He’s only hitting .234 with 12 home runs this season, but is slashing .276/.386/.500 in August. Romero’s also consistently posted some of the best exit velocities in the organization all year. It’s a bit more out-of-the-box, but Romero would bring some pop.
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