The Boston Red Sox have announced some of their non-roster invitees for spring training 2026. We know 21 names so far, ranging from MLB veterans, top prospects, organization mainstays, and recent offseason acquisitions.
One thing remains the same between all of them, though. They all hope to make an impact on the 2026 team in some form. Who will make the biggest impact, though?
5 non-roster invitees who could impact the 2026 Boston Red Sox
Mikey Romero (INF)
We’ll start with the most obvious name here. Mikey Romero is the top prospect in the non-roster invitee pool.
The left-handed hitting infielder just so happens to play two positions that are current question marks for the Red Sox, second base and third base (he's also suited up at shortstop).
Boston is relying on Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story to hold down the left side of the infield. Both have a history of injuries. Meanwhile, the starting second baseman is a literal “fill in the blank” situation. The Red Sox will likely figure something out before camp, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it were more of a band-aid fix, instead of a permanent one.
Romero has a chance to make waves this spring, but he likely won’t win an Opening Day roster spot. The 22-year-old doesn’t have much Triple-A experience, and he’s got a few things to work on. He can lay the groundwork, though. A power-hitting second baseman could come in handy during the season.
Seth Martinez (RHP)
Nearly any veteran reliever could've taken this spot, as plenty will get a shot in the big leagues at some point. Teams tend to go through a lot of arms in a season, and the veterans are the guys you can throw on the roster knowing that if you have to DFA them, it won’t kill you.
Seth Martinez has the best shot to not only make the Opening Day roster, but to stick on the team all year. Martinez was a phenomenal bullpen arm for the Houston Astros in 2024. The right-handed pitcher only appeared in six games (6 2/3 innings) for the Miami Marlins in 2025, but he was strong in that small sample size as well (5.40 ERA, but a .182 BAA and 1.05 WHIP).
Even if Martinez doesn’t break camp on the 26-man roster, he’ll make his mark in 2026.
Jeremy Wu-Yelland (LHP)
As for the prospect arms, Jeremy Wu-Yelland is the clear choice. You could immediately give him an advantage due to his being a left-handed pitcher. The fact that Wu-Yelland was one of the more dominant and consistent bullpen arms in the minor leagues last year doesn’t hurt either.
JWY posted a 3.15 ERA, .201 BAA, and 1.07 WHIP in 25 games between High-A and Double-A. He struck out 71 batters and only walked 16 in 45 2/3 innings.
The 26-year-old made a majority of his appearances (18 games, 34 innings) in Double-A last season. It’s not unreasonable to believe he’ll start the year in Triple-A (or at least knocking on the door). Wu-Yelland feels like the exact type of underrated prospect who could make massive waves in 2026.
Tyler McDonough (UTIL)
Tyler McDonough fits in the Nick Sogard boat. He’s good at basically everything, can play everywhere, and has proven himself for a while now. However, he has no crazy power or speed or something that makes him a headline grabbing prospect.
However, that doesn’t mean McDonough can’t be extremely useful. He’s a switch-hitter who can play second base, shortstop, third base (minimal experience, but still), and all three outfield spots. There’s always a spot for someone that versatile.
McDonough slashed .254/.328/.369 with 12 doubles, two triples, and five home runs in 79 games for Worcester last season. He drove in 27 runs, scored 32 more, and stole six bases.
McDonough is fantastic defensively in the outfield and looks solid at shortstop and second base. Injuries happen, and he can fill so many spots that he’ll likely be on the short list of non-40-man options.
Nate Baez (C/1B)
Nate Baez is one of the newest members of the organization. The Red Sox acquired him in a trade to clear a 40-man roster spot following the Ranger Suárez signing. Baez immediately becomes the top catcher in Triple-A.
The right-handed hitter slashed .278/.371/.423 with 17 doubles, four triples, and eight home runs between High-A and Double-A. He drove in 54 runs, scored 56 more, and stole three bases in 96 games.
Baez had a really strong 16.4% strikeout rate and has showcased some pop in the past. The Red Sox are also bringing in veteran catcher Jason Delay, and prospects Ronald Rosario and Nathan Hickey.
Rosario’s offense is likely going to put him well behind Baez, while Hickey was moved off the position last year in favor of first base due to defensive issues.
Delay could find his way onto the team early in the year if something happens. However, if they need a solution in June or later, Baez will have proven himself enough to earn the shot.