The Boston Red Sox still have over 40 players in major league camp just days before Opening Day. The team announced a slew of cuts over the weekend to get closer to the magic number of 26 players on the Opening Day squad.
The Sox are intent on taking their time when crafting their team. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that the team plans to take as long as possible to set the roster, and Alex Cora said, "we’re not going to make a decision until the end," referencing the final roster.
Boston on March 22 informed relievers Matt Moore and Adam Ottavino that they did not make the team. Both pitchers had opt-outs on their contracts — Ottavino triggered his while Moore did not. Ottavino has been released and Moore will begin the season in Triple-A.
Masataka Yoshida will also begin the season with Triple-A Worcester. His throwing progression is still behind after he underwent labrum surgery in October. His stint in the minors will be a rehab assignment.
Red Sox announce multiple roster moves over the weekend, including Marcelo Mayer and Masataka Yoshida
The Red Sox optioned young pitchers Bryan Mata and Quinn Priester to Worcester to begin the season. Mata has been a prospect in the Red Sox organization since 2016 and injuries have constantly derailed his ascent to the major leagues. He let up six runs but threw seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings this spring and he could make his big league debut sooner than later.
Priester was in the mix for a rotation spot, but Boston went with Brockton native Sean Newcomb to fill Lucas Giolito's usual spot. Giolito will begin the upcoming season on the IL with hamstring tightness that seems all but gone. Priester let up five runs and clocked nine strikeouts in 9.1 innings of work, while Newcomb is an eight-year MLB veteran and allowed just one run in 14.1 innings.
Cora said 5 relievers are locks: Chapman, Wilson, Slaten, Whitlock, Hendriks.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 22, 2025
"The final move won’t be today or tomorrow. We’ll wait until the end. That’s pitching-wise and position-player wise. I’m not going to give you guys any more updates on things because we’re not going to… https://t.co/QaxOk4Yc60
As expected, Marcelo Mayer will also begin the season in Triple-A. The shortstop prospect posted a stellar spring in big league camp, with a .333/.455/.528 slash line and famously smooth defense on show over 20 Grapefruit League games. Despite his success, he's never seen a game at the Triple-A level and Boston's middle infield is already quite crowded. Sending Mayer to Worcester seemed like the only choice here.
The Sox's roster is beginning to take shape with Opening Day closing in, but many more cuts are expected in the coming days. Boston will play two exhibition games against the Monterrey Sultanes on March 24 and 25, which may help Cora make some final roster decisions before they open the slate in Arlington, Texas, against the Rangers.