The 2025 MLB season is right around the corner, which means the minor league season is also close by. Fans of the Boston Red Sox will have plenty to watch this year with an exciting team at Fenway Park.
For those that can't get to Fenway, though, the Red Sox are gifting them a ridiculous crop of talent in the minor league system.
The Worcester Red Sox ended last year with a loaded roster. Somehow, the 2025 roster might be even more terrifying. Let's try to predict the Opening Day 28. There are a lot of variables, including cuts, additions, and developmental list designations. So, bear with us, please. These won't be perfect.
Predicting the 2025 Worcester Red Sox Opening Day roster
Catchers
- Blake Sabol
- Seby Zavala
- Nathan Hickey
Seby Zavala is the only one of the three who is a full-time catcher. Sabol and Hickey will play other positions (mainly first base). Zavala has appeared at first base as well, but he's likely to spend the majority of his time as a catcher.
Nathan Hickey has looked good at first base this offseason, but Boston doesn't want to completely abandon catcher for him yet. Hickey has the most offensive potential of the group.
Blake Sabol brings more defensive versatility and good offensive potential. The left-handed hitter has had decent success in the major leagues.
Mark Kolozsvary deserves a shoutout, but he'll likely be placed on the developmental list to start the year. Kolozsvary is a good veteran to help young catchers and pitchers on the roster. That doesn't mean he'll play much, though.
Infielders
- Alex Binelas (1B/3B)
- Marcelo Mayer (SS)
- Vaughn Grissom (2B/SS/3B)
- Nick Sogard (2B/SS/3B/OF)
- Abraham Toro (1B/2B/3B/OF)
Alex Binelas quietly had a fantastic 2024 season. The left-handed hitting corner infielder slashed .252/.353/.413 with 13 doubles, five triples (career-high), and nine home runs. He drove in 60 runs, scored 46 more, and stole 14 bases (career-high). Binelas also severely cut back on strikeouts. He's shown good defense, and while he won't be the star of the roster, Binelas could carve out a nice role.
Marcelo Mayer is having the best spring training out of the Big Three. However, he's the only one without any in-game experience at the Triple-A level. Due to that, he's the least likely of the three to make the big league roster. The left-handed hitting shortstop will be one of the top stars of Worcester and could find his way to the Majors before the end of the year.
Vaughn Grissom had bad luck last year with injuries and an illness setting him back. He can turn things around in 2025, which could start with a strong run in Worcester.
Nick Sogard will help the team at some point this year, but he'll probably start the season in Triple-A. He's a switch-hitter who can play all over the field and hits decently enough to get another shot, especially after looking solid in his first turn in Boston.
Abraham Toro had a great spring. However, he's not on the 40-man roster, so he's an easy guy to stash in Triple-A until necessary. Toro will be a great veteran presence to help the young guys adjust and get them ready for life in the majors.
Outfielders
- Roman Anthony
- Nate Eaton
- Trayce Thompson
- Phillip Sikes
- Tyler McDonough (OF/2B/SS)
Roman Anthony had the inside track on a roster spot before Wilyer Abreu returned to action. With Abreu back, it seems unlikely that Anthony will make the team, though. If he's not playing every day, the Red Sox won't want him in the majors. Let him get some more reps in Worcester.
Nate Eaton and Trayce Thompson are going to be put together here. They are two veteran outfielders who will be good depth pieces in the minor leagues. Both had good springs, and both will be
Phillip Sikes was promoted to Triple-A at the tail end of last season. He's a great defensive outfielder with above-average speed and decent pop. The left-handed hitter won't be the star of the team but he'll play an important role. Sikes might be seen anywhere in the lineup on any given day.
Tyler McDonough can play all over the field and has already had a few short stints in Triple-A. McDonough's a switch-hitter who, like Sikes, can be placed virtually anywhere in the lineup.
Starting pitchers
- Hunter Dobbins
- Shane Drohan (L)
- Grant Gambrell
- Michael Fulmer
- Cooper Criswell
Hunter Dobbins will be in the big leagues at some point in 2025, but the right-handed pitcher needs more time in Triple-A. There's very little down that he'll continue impressing at the level.
Shane Drohan had a fantastic Spring. It's easy to forget that the lefty was one of the team's top pitching prospects not even two years ago. Could he be recapturing some of that magic?
Grant Gambrell is a reliable arm who deserves a shot in the majors at some point but doesn't have a clear path.
Michael Fulmer had a phenomenal Spring Training, allowing one earned run in 11 1/3 innings (0.79 ERA). The righty didn't get a spot out of camp, but he's likely on the shortlist of non-40-man options to be added to Boston this season.
Cooper Criswell was sneaky good for the Red Sox last season. He played well in any role and, despite not throwing hard, was producing outs.
Relief pitchers
- Matt Moore (L)
- Brian Van Belle
- Austin Adams
- Greg Weissert
- Josh Winckowski
- Noah Davis
- Isaiah Campbell
- Robert Stock
- Brennan Bernardino (L)
- Luis Guerrero
Matt Moore surprisingly didn't opt out and gives the Red Sox some added left-handed pitching depth in Triple-A. Brian Van Belle was lights out after moving to the bullpen last season. Austin Adams is fun, but you never know what you're going to get from him.
Greg Weissert had some good moments for the Red Sox last year, but he struggled at times as well. Josh Winckowski took a step back in 2024 and has had a rough Spring. Maybe Triple-A can get him back on track.
Noah Davis was brought in this year as a non-roster invitee. It felt inevitable that he'd be Triple-A depth without using a 40-man roster spot. Isaiah Campbell flashed potential at times but struggled last year, and it makes sense that he'll have to build back up.
Robert Stock was in the organization a few years ago, but last year, he was cooking overseas. He'll try to make it back to the big leagues at some point this year. The righty will likely make an impact in Boston at some point.
Luis Guerrero has the stuff to be a long-term closer. There are still some issues to iron out, though, like his command, which he sometimes can't find. Boston will still use Guerrero at some point this year.