Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock has been a standout starter during his four years with the club, boasting a 1.96 ERA in four starts last season before an elbow injury cut his season short. As he recovered from internal brace surgery in his right elbow, Whitlock made a pivotal decision to transition to a full-time reliever role. In a conversation with manager Alex Cora at Fenway Park last September, Whitlock expressed his desire to make the switch. Cora was enthusiastic about the idea, recognizing Whitlock's conviction and the potential benefits for both the player and the team.
Whitlock explained his motivation for the change, highlighting the bullpen's need for support and his enjoyment of the reliever role. "I was telling him our bullpen needed some help. It was one of those things where I felt like I could help [next year]," Whitlock said. "I really enjoyed that role. When I told him, I was like, ‘Hey, put me down there and let me be your guy.’ He kind of smiled and said, ‘OK, kid. Let’s do it.’" With this transition, Whitlock aims to stay healthy and continue making a significant impact on the Red Sox's success. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Whitlock's move to the bullpen is poised to strengthen the pitching staff and provide stability in high-leverage situations.
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Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu has yet to make an appearance in a spring game or even commence full baseball activities due to a gastrointestinal virus. The specifics of his illness remain somewhat unclear, but MassLive.com's Christopher Smith reported on February 28 that Abreu appeared noticeably thinner in camp. Abreu admitted to losing "a little bit of weight" due to the virus but expressed that he feels more "in form" than he did last year.
Despite Abreu's optimistic outlook on his readiness for Opening Day, The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey raised some doubts by noting that Abreu has only been tracking pitches and has yet to swing a bat. Manager Alex Cora also indicated that Abreu is behind schedule. While there is no official word ruling him out of the March 27 lineup against the Rangers, the limited time left before the season opener makes his participation uncertain. The Boston Red Sox have made several roster adjustments, with right-handed pitcher Luis Perales and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia being optioned to minor league camp. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Jovani Morán, along with right-handed pitchers Robert Stock, Brian Van Belle, and Jacob Webb, have been reassigned to minor league camp. These moves are part of the team's efforts to finalize their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In his third Spring Training start for the Red Sox, Garrett Crochet delivered an impressive performance, consistently hitting radar readings of 101 mph at JetBlue Park. Although the park lacks Statcast, the team used its TrackMan device to measure velocity during Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Rays. Despite some inconsistencies with the radar gun, Crochet's enthusiasm for his best outing yet in Grapefruit League play was evident. "I think that was a misread. I was feeling good, and I know it was coming out well, but I don’t think it was that well," said Crochet, who reached triple digits with only four pitches last season.
After a breakout 2024 season with the White Sox that earned him All-Star honors, Crochet joined the Red Sox with high expectations. His competitive spirit shone through when he reflected on Wednesday's three-inning, 44-pitch performance, which included two hits, no runs, one walk, and seven strikeouts. "Better now," Crochet remarked. With Crochet leading the rotation, the Red Sox are feeling more confident heading into the season. Manager Alex Cora praised Crochet's work ethic, noting, "He’s just a strong dude who knows his art, or his craft. He’s working hard with the pitching group to keep getting better." Cora emphasized that last season was just a taste of what Crochet can offer as a big-league starter, and the team is eager to see him deliver 30 starts and contribute to their success. The Boston Red Sox have reached a minor league agreement with right-handed pitcher José De León, as reported by Francys Romero. De León hinted at the deal on social media, and it has now been confirmed. Once a highly-touted prospect in the Dodgers' system, De León's career has been hampered by injuries, preventing him from securing a consistent role in the majors. Over six partial seasons, De León has played for four different teams but has never reached 20 innings in any single season.
De León's most recent MLB stint was with the Minnesota Twins two years ago, where he allowed nine earned runs in 17 1/3 innings, striking out 17 batters while issuing five walks. Now 32, De León is looking to make a comeback and prove his worth with the Red Sox organization. As he works to regain his form, Boston will be hoping that De León can tap into his potential and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff. Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, who was scheduled to make his spring training debut on Tuesday, has decided to push it back after informing manager Alex Cora that he did not feel ready during live batting practice. While Cora did not specify when the three-time All-Star will play, he suggested that it might not be until this weekend. Devers spent the early weeks of spring training strengthening his shoulders, which caused him discomfort last season. Despite the soreness, he managed to hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs in 2024. The Red Sox are eagerly anticipating his return, but it remains uncertain where Devers will play once he is back on the field.
The addition of two-time All-Star Alex Bregman to the Red Sox roster this offseason has added to the uncertainty surrounding Devers' position. Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million contract, is a Gold Glove winner at third base, a position where Devers has struggled defensively. Devers has led the American League or tied for the lead in errors three times in the past seven seasons. Despite the fielding challenges, Devers is reluctant to move to the designated hitter role, stating last month, "Third base is my position." The Red Sox will need to find a balance that maximizes their defensive strength while keeping Devers' powerful bat in the lineup. Garrett Whitlock’s 2024 season was cut short by an internal brace procedure on May 30, a surgery that appeared poised to delay his start to the 2025 campaign. However, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has delivered an optimistic update, telling MLB.com’s Ian Browne and other reporters that Whitlock is “100 percent” set to join the team’s Opening Day roster. This surprising news highlights Whitlock’s ahead-of-schedule recovery, defying initial expectations and positioning the right-hander for a timely return to the mound.
Even though Whitlock has yet to face live batters this spring, his progress has been steady and deliberate, guided by a unique rehab plan outlined by The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey. The Red Sox employed a “deloading” strategy this offseason, alternating intense throwing weeks with recovery periods, and Whitlock has already completed several bullpen sessions. With this phase behind him, he’s slated to throw a live batting practice session tomorrow, marking a key step toward a standard Spring Training buildup. Cora’s confidence signals a promising outlook for Whitlock’s role in Boston’s 2025 plans. Walker Buehler took the mound for his spring training debut with the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, and despite wearing a new uniform, the 30-year-old right-hander showcased the same electric stuff that defined his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After eight years in L.A., Buehler inked a one-year, $21.05 million contract with Boston this offseason, and his first outing with his new team didn’t disappoint. Facing the New York Mets, Buehler pitched two sharp innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four, signaling a strong start to his Red Sox chapter.
Buehler’s performance was a blend of resilience and precision. In the first inning, he surrendered a leadoff double to Jeff McNeil but quickly regained control, inducing a groundout from Francisco Alvarez and fanning Jesse Winker on three pitches. After hitting Jose Siri with a pitch, he struck out Alexander Canario on three offerings as well. The second inning saw Buehler elevate his dominance, striking out Brett Baty looking, coaxing a groundout from Jared Young, and closing with a strikeout of Jose Azocar. His efficient, strikeout-heavy outing underscored his readiness to make an impact in Boston. During the offseason, the Boston Red Sox made headlines with their acquisitions in free agency and trades. However, it's the emerging talent of their top prospects that truly signals a bright future for the team. Outfielder Roman Anthony, infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell, and shortstop Marcelo Mayer showcased their skills in the Red Sox's 6-5 victory against the Tigers. The trio combined for an impressive 4-for-8 performance, including a double, a triple, and a home run, driving in four runs. Ranked among the top 12 prospects in baseball, all three are expected to make their major league debuts this season, further bolstering a solid core that includes third basemen Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers, as well as outfielder Jarren Duran.
Anthony, the second-best prospect according to MLB.com, displayed his prowess with a .291/.396/.498 batting line, 18 homers, and 32 doubles across Double-A and Triple-A. Campbell, ranked seventh, quickly ascended through the Red Sox farm system, boasting a .330/.439/.558 batting line, 20 homers, and 32 doubles. Despite his primary positions being second and short, Campbell is projected to eventually move to center field. Mayer, ranked 12th, has impressed with his all-around play, though durability remains a concern. He posted a .307/.370/.480 batting line with eight homers and 28 doubles. Together, Anthony, Campbell, and Mayer represent a promising future for the Red Sox, giving fans much to look forward to. Garrett Crochet, the talented left-handed pitcher recently acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox, has expressed his desire to explore a contract extension with the team. After an impressive 2024 season, where he posted a 3.58 ERA over 32 appearances, Crochet is eager to prove his worth in a full season with the Red Sox. "I want to see what I could do in a full season," he remarked, signaling his commitment to showing the organization what he’s capable of over an extended period.
The Red Sox have shown interest in securing Crochet for the long term, with early discussions about a potential extension already taking place. Reports suggest that both sides have considered a four- or five-year deal, which would ensure the Red Sox have control over Crochet’s prime years. While no agreement has been reached yet, both the team and Crochet are expected to continue talks and evaluate the terms as the season unfolds, with an eye on securing a deal that benefits both parties. The Boston Red Sox have made a major move by signing free-agent infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. The deal includes opt-out options after the first two seasons, giving Bregman flexibility throughout his tenure in Boston. With an average annual salary of $40 million, this contract places him among the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball. His addition brings veteran leadership and a proven track record of success to a Red Sox team looking to strengthen its infield and lineup.
A two-time All-Star and key part of the Houston Astros’ World Series wins in 2017 and 2022, Bregman is expected to shift to second base to accommodate Rafael Devers at third. While he has limited experience at the position, his versatility and offensive firepower make him a valuable asset for the Red Sox. His impressive career numbers at Fenway Park, where he boasts a .375 batting average and a 1.240 OPS, likely played a role in his decision to join the team. With this signing, Boston aims to make a strong push for contention in the coming seasons. |
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