With the arrival of spring training, the Boston Red Sox have officially begun preparations for the 2025 season. The team kicked off its exhibition schedule with a matchup against the Northeastern University Huskies on Friday, followed by a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. As the preseason progresses, the focus will soon shift to roster decisions, with Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office facing the task of finalizing the team’s 40-man roster.
This means difficult decisions are on the horizon, and several players may find themselves on the outside looking in. While competition for roster spots is fierce every year, a mix of emerging prospects and offseason acquisitions has made the battle even more intense in 2025. Here’s a look at four Red Sox players who are in danger of losing their spots as the team evaluates its options heading into the season.
Nick Sogard
Middle infielder Nick Sogard is the first name on the list. The 26-year-old saw limited action with the major league club in 2024, appearing in just 31 games. During that time, he put together a respectable .273/.326/.325 slash line with an 82 OPS+ and 81 wRC+. While these numbers indicate he was a serviceable contributor, Sogard’s biggest challenge lies in the Red Sox’s depth at his position.
With top prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell poised to make an impact, Sogard’s path to a roster spot has become increasingly difficult. The organization’s commitment to developing young infielders leaves him as the odd man out unless injuries or unexpected circumstances create an opportunity for him to stick around.
Romy González
Like Sogard, Romy González faces an uphill battle in securing a roster spot for 2025. The 28-year-old utility player played a significant role for Boston last season, appearing in 89 games. While he didn’t post eye-popping numbers, his .266/.306/.417 line, 99 OPS+, and 97 wRC+ showed he was a reliable depth option for a team that dealt with multiple injuries.
However, a healthier Red Sox squad heading into the new season could spell trouble for González. In addition to Mayer and Campbell potentially making their major league debuts, the Red Sox also brought in veteran infielder Abraham Toro on a minor-league contract. If Toro impresses in spring training, he could claim a roster spot at González’s expense.
Cooper Criswell
The first pitcher on the list, Cooper Criswell, provided much-needed stability to Boston’s rotation in 2024, making 18 starts and logging 99 1/3 innings. He posted a respectable 4.08 ERA, 4.15 FIP, and 105 ERA+, proving to be a solid back-end starter when the team needed him.
Despite his contributions, Criswell’s role is in jeopardy following Boston’s aggressive offseason moves. The additions of Patrick Sandoval, Garrett Crochet, and Walker Buehler have significantly strengthened the starting rotation, leaving little room for Criswell. While he may not have a future as a starter in Boston, there’s a chance he could carve out a role as a long reliever or depth piece in the bullpen.
Josh Winckowski
One of the more surprising names on the bubble, Josh Winckowski could find himself in a precarious position this spring. After a breakout 2023 campaign in which he posted a stellar 2.88 ERA as a reliever, he regressed in 2024, recording a 4.14 ERA, 4.48 FIP, and 103 ERA+ over 76 innings.
While his numbers weren’t disastrous, the Red Sox’s increasing bullpen depth could make his spot uncertain. With the likes of Criswell, Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert, and now Garrett Whitlock competing for middle relief roles, Winckowski faces stiff competition. If he struggles in spring training, he could become the odd man out when final roster decisions are made.
As spring training unfolds, these four players will need to make the most of every opportunity to secure their spots on the roster. With a mix of young talent rising through the system and new acquisitions pushing for roles, the Red Sox will have some tough choices ahead as they shape their 2025 squad.
