The Major League Baseball offseason officially begins immediately after the World Series concludes, but the initial five days serve as a quieter period focused on finalizing player options, making opt-out decisions, and allowing free agents to re-sign only with their previous teams. This brief lull in activity came to an end on Monday at 5 p.m., coinciding with the deadline for teams to activate players from the 60-day injured list (IL). For the Boston Red Sox, who wrapped up their season with seven players on the 60-day IL, the time had come to address a long-anticipated roster crunch.
On Monday afternoon, the Red Sox executed a series of roster moves aimed at trimming their roster down to 40 players. This included the activation of several key players: pitchers Justin Slaten, Johan Oviedo, and Kutter Crawford, alongside first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Eli White. However, the team also designated right-hander Zack Kelly and left-hander Eduardo Rivera for assignment, a strategic decision that allows them to be available for other teams.
Both Kelly and Rivera were among the seven Red Sox players who ended the season on the 60-day IL. Rather than activate them and make more cuts elsewhere, the franchise opted to designate the duo for assignment (DFA). This move opens the possibility for other clubs to acquire them.
Zack Kelly, who initially joined the Red Sox as a Division 2 college pitcher, made his major league debut in 2022. During his tenure, he recorded a 4.04 ERA with 127 strikeouts over 131 1/3 innings, spread across 115 appearances with the Red Sox. In the previous season, he showcased an improved 3.31 ERA over 17 MLB outings in April and May before being optioned to Triple-A. His season took a downturn as he dealt with right elbow inflammation, which led to his placement on the IL in early July, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Eduardo Rivera, on the other hand, had a brief stint in the majors, making just four appearances after his call-up from Double-A on April 22. He bypassed Triple-A completely for his debut but struggled, allowing seven earned runs over ten innings. Rivera’s final three outings took place in mid-July, after which he was recalled from the minors and subsequently placed on the 60-day IL due to a lumbar strain. This move was primarily to create a roster spot ahead of the Sept. 1 expansion.
Among the players activated from the 60-day IL, Justin Slaten had a notable impact on the 2023 Red Sox roster. He appeared in 36 games during the season, posting a 4.60 ERA and establishing himself as one of the team’s top high-leverage bullpen arms. Unfortunately, Slaten missed significant time due to right elbow issues and was ultimately shut down in mid-September after imaging revealed degenerative changes in his flexor mass.
Eli White, acquired from the Atlanta Braves during the trade deadline, underwent Lisfranc repair surgery after an incident at Fenway Park on Sept. 8, where he jammed his right foot against a wall. Both Kutter Crawford and Triston Casas missed the entire 2026 season due to various injuries, with Crawford dealing with right flexor irritation and Casas facing multiple issues, including knee, abdominal, and wrist injuries. Johan Oviedo also contributed to the injury list, making only one appearance in March before suffering a right flexor strain.
These roster modifications capped off a hectic first week of the offseason for the Red Sox. The organization concluded the season with a combined 47 players on the 40-man and 60-day IL, necessitating the freeing up of seven spots by the Monday deadline. Two roster spots were vacated when Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Patrick Sandoval entered free agency, and another spot opened up following the mutual option decline of veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.
To further expedite the process, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acted swiftly to clear two additional spots. He executed trades to send outfielder Nate Eaton to the Athletics in exchange for an 18-year-old minor league pitcher and infielder Tsung-Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers for cash. This proactive approach illustrates the Red Sox's commitment to restructuring their roster and improving their chances for the upcoming season.
Despite these recent roster adjustments, the Red Sox face more challenging decisions as the offseason progresses. The team will need to open more roster spots for any new acquisitions and may also have to determine which prospects to protect ahead of the Nov. 17 deadline for the Rule 5 Draft. This adds another layer of complexity to their offseason strategy, with the impending uncertainty surrounding the draft further complicating their plans.
The Rule 5 Draft, typically scheduled for early December during the Winter Meetings, is now in jeopardy due to a looming lockout. The potential rescheduling of the draft will depend heavily on negotiations between the players' union and the league, reflecting broader labor discussions. These ongoing negotiations mean that teams like the Red Sox must remain flexible and strategic as they navigate the offseason roster landscape.
In summary, the Red Sox’s recent decisions regarding Eduardo Rivera and Zack Kelly signify a crucial step in their offseason strategy as they seek to bolster their roster and address the needs within the organization. This period will be critical as they prepare for the upcoming season while managing the complexities of player transactions and potential injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to designate a player for assignment?
Designating a player for assignment means the team has removed that player from its 40-man roster, making them available for other teams to claim or trade.
Who is Eduardo Rivera?
Eduardo Rivera is a left-handed pitcher who briefly appeared in the majors with the Boston Red Sox, making four appearances following his call-up from Double-A.
What are the implications of the Rule 5 Draft?
The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select unprotected players from other teams, requiring the selecting team to keep the player in the majors for the entire season or offer them back to their original team.
How did the Red Sox manage their injured list this past season?
The Red Sox had a high number of players on the injured list, including seven on the 60-day IL, leading to significant roster challenges during the offseason.
What are the next steps for the Red Sox this offseason?
The Red Sox need to finalize their roster, protect prospects ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, and potentially acquire new players to strengthen their team.
Source: Boston Herald