The Boston Red Sox took a significant step in finalizing their roster for the 2025 season by signing pre-arbitration deals with 23 players on Friday. This move ensures that every player on the Red Sox’s Major League roster is under contract, allowing the team to shift its focus entirely to preparing for the upcoming season. Among the standout names in the group are first baseman Tristan Casas and outfielder Wilyer Abreu, two young stars expected to play pivotal roles for Boston this year. Both players agreed to one-year, $800,000 contracts, according to Spotrac.
Casas, a rising talent in the Red Sox organization, will enter his first year of arbitration eligibility in 2026. In 222 MLB games, he has posted an impressive .830 OPS, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently at the plate. His combination of power and patience makes him a cornerstone of Boston’s future lineup. Meanwhile, Abreu is coming off a breakout season in 2024, finishing sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. The talented outfielder also secured his first Gold Glove Award and posted a 3.4 bWAR, showcasing both his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. With his elite athleticism and improving bat, Abreu is expected to be a key figure in Boston’s outfield moving forward.
In addition to Casas and Abreu, the Red Sox locked in several other notable players. Speedy infielder David Hamilton and catcher Connor Wong both signed one-year deals and are likely to secure spots on the Opening Day roster. Hamilton’s baserunning skills and defensive versatility give him value as a utility option, while Wong has emerged as a reliable backstop behind the plate. Former top prospect Vaughn Grissom also signed a pre-arbitration deal but faces an uncertain future with the club. Grissom was acquired in the trade that sent left-handed pitcher Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves but could find himself on the outside looking in given the Red Sox’s crowded infield picture.
The remaining 18 players to sign contracts on Friday include a mix of pitchers, position players, and prospects. Among them are Brennan Bernardino, Cooper Criswell, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, Jhostynxon Garcia, Romy Gonzalez, Luis Guerrero, Chris Murphy, Zach Kelly, Carlos Narvaez, Zach Penrod, Luis Perales, Quinn Priester, Blake Sobel, Justin Slaten, Nick Sogard, Greg Weissert, and Josh Winckowski. Notably, Perales and Garcia were reassigned to minor league camp on the same day, further shaping the Red Sox’s roster ahead of the regular season.
By securing pre-arbitration deals with this large group of players, the Red Sox have established stability within their roster while giving themselves financial flexibility. The focus now shifts to how these players will perform on the field as Boston looks to improve its standing in the competitive AL East. With young stars like Casas and Abreu leading the charge, along with a blend of veterans and up-and-coming talent, the Red Sox are positioning themselves for a promising 2025 campaign.
