The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason begins immediately after the conclusion of the World Series, but the initial five days post-Series are generally considered a quiet period. During this time, teams finalize option decisions, assess opt-out situations, and allow free agents to re-sign exclusively with their current clubs. The five-day window closed on Monday at 5 p.m., coinciding with the deadline for teams to activate players from the 60-day injured list (IL). In a significant move to navigate a challenging roster situation, the Boston Red Sox executed several roster adjustments.
On Monday afternoon, the Red Sox announced a series of roster moves designed to reduce their overall roster count to 40 players. This included activating pitchers Justin Slaten, Johan Oviedo, and Kutter Crawford, along with first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Eli White from the 60-day injured list. In contrast, right-hander Zack Kelly and left-hander Eduardo Rivera were designated for assignment (DFA).
Kelly and Rivera were both included in the group of seven Red Sox players who finished the season on the 60-day IL. Instead of activating them and making additional roster cuts, the Red Sox opted to DFA them, thereby making both players available to other teams within the league. This decision reflects the organization’s strategy to streamline their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Originally a Division 2 college pitcher, Kelly made his debut with the Red Sox in 2022, showcasing a strong performance marked by a 4.04 earned run average (ERA) along with 127 strikeouts over 131 1/3 innings spread across 115 appearances. In the recent season, he maintained a solid 3.31 ERA through 17 MLB games in April and May. However, an elbow injury in early July led to his placement on the IL, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Eduardo Rivera made a brief impression during his stint with the Red Sox after being called up directly from Double-A without any appearances in Triple-A. Rivera debuted on April 22, making four appearances in the major leagues, during which he allowed seven earned runs across ten innings pitched. His last three outings occurred in mid-July before he was recalled and placed on the 60-day IL due to a lumbar strain, a move made to clear a spot on the 40-man roster ahead of the expansion on September 1.
Among the players activated from the 60-day IL, Justin Slaten played a pivotal role in the Red Sox’s previous season. The right-hander participated in 36 games, pitching to a 4.60 ERA, positioning himself as one of the bullpen’s key arms. Unfortunately, Slaten faced significant challenges due to elbow inflammation that led to him being sidelined for an extended period. He was ultimately shut down in mid-September after imaging revealed degenerative changes within his flexor mass.
Eli White, who the Red Sox acquired from the Atlanta Braves during the trade deadline, underwent surgery for Lisfranc repair after a foot injury sustained while colliding with the wall at Fenway Park on September 8. Kutter Crawford and Triston Casas also faced their share of injuries during the season, missing significant time due to various ailments. Crawford dealt with right flexor irritation, while Casas suffered from multiple injuries affecting his knee, abdomen, and wrist. Johan Oviedo, who had been limited to a single appearance due to a right flexor strain, was another player activated from the list.
These roster moves marked the culmination of a busy first week of the offseason for the Red Sox. With a combined total of 47 players on both the 40-man and 60-day IL by the end of the season, the organization faced the necessity of creating seven additional roster spots by the aforementioned deadline. Notably, two spots were cleared when Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Patrick Sandoval entered free agency, while another became available when Sonny Gray’s mutual option was declined, allowing him to test the market.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acted swiftly to address the roster situation, trading outfielder Nate Eaton to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for an 18-year-old pitcher and dealing infielder Tsung-Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers for cash immediately following the conclusion of the World Series. Even after Monday's roster decisions, the Red Sox are likely to face additional tough choices as the offseason progresses. Each new acquisition will require further roster adjustments, and the team may also need to make space ahead of the deadline on November 17 to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft.
This year’s Rule 5 Draft poses unique challenges and uncertainties due to potential labor negotiations between the players and owners, which could affect the traditional scheduling of the event. Typically held in early December during the Winter Meetings, the 2023 Rule 5 Draft's status remains in flux, with discussions ongoing regarding its possible rescheduling amid broader negotiations concerning the league’s labor agreement.
As the Red Sox continue to navigate the offseason, the organization must remain vigilant in optimizing their roster and addressing lingering issues that could impact the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season. The decisions made during this critical period will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise.
Source: Boston Herald
Illustration photo: Department of Commerce. Office of the Secretary. 1913 / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
