The Boston Red Sox remain one of the last teams to sign a major league free agent this offseason but they've added to their stash of minor league depth.
The Red Sox on January 1 signed outfielder and longtime Pittsbugh Pirates prospect Matt Frazier to a minor league deal, per Chase Ford of MiLB Central. The Pirates selected Frazier, soon to be 28, in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, and he made his organizational debut in the same year. He has not appeared in MLB, however.
Given the logjam that already exists in Boston's outfield, Frazier will likely spend most of his time in Triple-A, alongside whichever other outfielders don't make the major league roster out of spring training (possibly Kristian Campbell, Nate Eaton, etc.). He plays all three outfield positions and could be a reliable call-up in the event of an injury.
Red Sox sign former Pirates outfield prospect Matt Frazier to minor league deal
Frazier played his first full season (of only 62 games) at Triple-A for the first time in his career. He slashed .305/.361/.452 with an .813 OPS, 18 doubles, a triple and three homers.
The Red Sox lost some MLB-ready outfield depth this offseason after trading Jhostynxon Garcia to Pittsburgh, and Frazier will make up for it. Hopefully he'ss continue his career rebound with the WooSox.
Former Red Sox reliever Josh Winckowski signs minor league deal with rival Blue Jays
Red Sox rivals are also reinforcing their stash of minor league depth — with former Red Sox. Former Boston reliever Josh Winckowski on December 31 signed a two-year minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Toronto plans to build him up as a starter.
Winckowski spent most of the 2025 season on the injured list with an elbow issue and he underwent the internal brace procedure to repair his UCL this offseason. Last season, he logged only 11.2 innings in the big leagues and posted a 3.86 ERA with nine strikeouts and five walks as a reliever. He logged a 2.21 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and two walks over 20.1 innings in Triple-A.
Winckowski is expected to miss most of the 2026 season recovering from his elbow surgery, one of the main reasons the Sox designated him for assignment. The Red Sox may not see him on the mound against them until 2027, and it will be strange to see him as a starter.