The Boston Red Sox have consistently dealt with roster conundrums for the last few seasons. Some have been self-inflicted, with others being forced by player development. Usually, these roster dilemmas have caused anger amongst the fan base, like Roman Anthony being stuck in the minors, but a few have been a good problem. The latter is what's brewing with the current roster.
Andruw Monasterio has had a red-hot start in spring training. The 28-year-old utility man is hitting .308 through his first six games with a 1.052 OPS, and he ripped a double in the exhibition game against Team Puerto Rico. He has also played solid defense, seeing time at first base, third base, and shortstop.
With Monasterio playing well, he's one of the options to take the injured Romy Gonzalez's spot on the Opening Day roster. He checks a lot of the same boxes that Gonzalez does: he's a righty that mashes lefties and can play all-around the infield as needed. He was a great under-the-radar acquisition by Craig Breslow in the Caleb Durbin trade.
The conundrum starts once Gonzalez is healthy. Gonzalez has proven over the last two seasons that he deserves a spot on the 26-man roster, but will that come at the expense of Monasterio if he's playing well?
Quality depth, like Andruw Monasterio, changes everything for the Red Sox's infield
Andruw Monasterio with his first homer as a member of the Sox! pic.twitter.com/gRQPdAPUgG
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 21, 2026
The problem is that the two of them are redundant to have in the majors at the same time. There are only four hitters on the bench every game, and having two with very similar skill sets is a waste when there are others who fit different skill sets. This isn't a bad problem to have, though.
For the first time in a while, the Red Sox have real major league depth. The MLB season is long and arduous, injuries happen, and players go through ups and downs. Having proven players in Triple-A that can be called up at a moment's notice and be impactful is extremely needed. Monasterio has two minor league options remaining, which allows for a lot of flexibility, too.
It will be a hard conversation for Alex Cora and Breslow to have with Monasterio if they have to send him to Worcester while he's playing well, but it's part of the business. It won't be an easy decision, but having to send down a good player because an even better one is ready, knowing that that good player can be called back up, is a problem that GMs relish.