Spring training has arrived, and the Red Sox began their preseason with a game against the Northeastern University Huskies on Friday, followed by a matchup with the Rays on Saturday.
As the season approaches, Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office will soon need to make roster cuts and finalize their 40-man squad for the 2025 season.
With that in mind, here are four Red Sox players who could be at risk of losing their roster spots.
4 Red Sox players in danger of losing their roster spot
Nick Sogard
Leading off our list is middle infielder Nick Sogard. The 26-year-old saw limited action in 2024, appearing in just 31 games for the Red Sox. He posted a respectable .273/.326/.325 slash line with an 82 OPS+ and 81 wRC+. While his numbers aren’t bad, Sogard faces tough competition in a crowded middle infield. With promising prospects like Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell on the rise, he may find himself on the outside looking in.
Cooper Criswell
Much like Sogard, Romy González is in a precarious position entering the 2025 season. The 28-year-old played in 89 games for Boston in 2024 and put up a solid .266/.306/.417 slash line with a 99 OPS+ and 97 wRC+.
Though González never put up elite numbers, he contributed both offensively and defensively for a Red Sox team that battled injuries throughout the year. However, with the team expected to be healthier in 2025, his future in Boston is uncertain. In addition to the arrivals of Campbell and Mayer, the Red Sox signed veteran Abraham Toro to a minor-league deal. If Toro impresses in spring training, he could claim a roster spot at González’s expense.
Cooper Criswell
The first pitcher on the list is Cooper Criswell. The 27-year-old became a reliable presence in the Red Sox rotation last season, stepping up amid frequent injuries. He made 18 starts, posting a 4.08 ERA, 4.15 FIP, and a 105 ERA+ over 99 1/3 innings.
Although Criswell proved to be a dependable back-end starter, the offseason acquisitions of Patrick Sandoval, Garrett Crochet, and Walker Buehler have pushed him out of the rotation, casting doubt on his future in Boston. However, even if he no longer holds a starting role, he could still contribute as a multi-inning reliever.
