Red Sox Roster Cuts Include Veteran Playoff 1B, Workhorse Righty

The Boston Red Sox are making a series of roster moves as they look ahead to the Rule 5 draft. They’re clearly trying to protect some promising prospects and reshape the team for 2026.

The front office is saying goodbye to several veterans and adding new faces to the 40-man roster. That shows some faith in their farm system, but also a need to make tough financial choices. From designating veterans for assignment to making trades and promoting prospects, the Red Sox are setting a new course this offseason.

Roster Cuts Aim to Free Space and Save Money

The Red Sox made some notable cuts to meet the Rule 5 draft deadline. These moves are bound to have ripple effects in the coming months.

The most prominent names on the chopping block: first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and right-hander Josh Winckowski.

Nathaniel Lowe’s Departure

Lowe started all three postseason games at first base in 2025, but he just couldn’t get in a groove at the plate. He wrapped up the year with a .228 batting average, 18 home runs, and 84 RBIs split between Washington and Boston.

His power numbers look fine on paper, but his overall production didn’t match up with a projected $13.5 million salary for 2026. Designating Lowe for assignment isn’t cheap, but it’s a calculated risk.

Maybe there’s a chance for a reunion on a smaller deal, especially since Triston Casas is supposed to be Boston’s main first baseman but still has injury issues. Lowe could come back as insurance, but the front office just didn’t want to pay his current price.

Josh Winckowski’s Injury and Exit

Josh Winckowski, 27, is out of Boston’s plans after elbow problems kept him sidelined most of 2025. He made 121 appearances over four seasons and posted a 4.20 ERA.

Even with that track record, his projected $800,000 salary and valuable 40-man roster spot put him in a tough spot. Teams rarely want to reserve space for pitchers coming off long injury breaks, and Boston’s betting on younger, healthier arms now.

Prospects Promoted to the 40-Man Roster

With those roster spots open, the Red Sox promoted three prospects: David Sandlin, Tyler Uberstine, and Shane Drohan.

Who Are the New Additions?

This group really signals Boston’s commitment to developing talent from within. None of them have reached the majors yet, but each one brings something different to the table:

• David Sandlin – Righty with a knack for strikeouts and improving command.
• Tyler Uberstine – Versatile pitcher who can start or work out of the bullpen.
• Shane Drohan – Lefty with a strong changeup and growing confidence.

By keeping these guys out of the Rule 5 draft, Boston gets to keep them in the system and let them keep developing. That’s a relief, honestly.

Trade Activity Shows Well-Rounded Strategy

The Red Sox didn’t just make internal moves. They also picked up infielder Tristan Gray from the Tampa Bay Rays, sending reliever Luis Guerrero the other way.

Gray gives the infield some depth—he could be a bench piece or help out in the minors if needed.

Additional Trade Moves

There were a few more trades, all aimed at balancing depth and future assets:

• Chris Murphy headed to the White Sox.
• Brennan Bernardino went to the Rockies.
• Alex Hoppe landed with the Mariners.

Boston got three minor league players in return, which should help the farm system in the long run.

The Bigger Picture for Boston’s Offseason

These moves show an offseason strategy focused on clearing payroll space and protecting top prospects. The organization clearly wants to keep its pipeline full of young talent.

By letting go of veterans and making some clever trades, the Red Sox are shifting toward a roster built for the long haul. They’re betting on youth and potential rather than just patching holes with experience.

Losing guys like Lowe and Winckowski stings a bit, but Boston seems to trust its farm system. Maybe that’s risky, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice and see if the kids are ready.

In the AL East, where competition never lets up, these moves might give Boston a real shot in 2026. Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more changes as the front office keeps tweaking the mix of veterans and newcomers.

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