Yasmani Grandal: Everything you need to know

Grandal is likely to be granted his release from the Red Sox in the coming days and is expected to retire from professional baseball, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports. Grandal remained unsigned throughout the winter before catching on with the Red Sox on a minor-league deal in mid-April. He reported to Triple-A Worcester and was hopeful to eventually earn a look with the big club, but despite slashing a respectable .256/.372/.397 over 94 plate appearances, Grandal was bypassed for a promotion while the Red Sox were content to proceed with Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong as their two catchers. Worcester has placed the 36-year-old on its restricted list, so he won't count toward the roster until he's officially released. A two-time All-Star, Grandal spent parts of 13 seasons in the big leagues from 2012 through 2024 with the Padres, Dodgers, Brewers, White Sox and Pirates, slashing .236/.345/.424 with 194 home runs, 592 RBI and 535 runs.

Grandal signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. Grandal spent all of last year with the Pirates, where he slashed .228/.304/.400 with nine homers and 27 RBI across 243 plate appearances. The Red Sox are a bit short on catcher depth now that Connor Wong (finger) is on the IL, so they'll bring in Grandal to give them a bit more security behind the plate. The 36-year-old veteran will presumably report to Triple-A Worcester and may be able to earn a big-league spot with a hot start in the minors.

Grandal went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's 9-4 win over the Yankees. The veteran catcher got the Pirates' offense going with a solo shot off Luis Gil in the second inning, one of five long balls by Pittsburgh on the afternoon. It's Grandal's first multi-hit performance since Aug. 21, and first three-hit effort since Aug. 4. On the season, the 35-year-old sports a .228/.304/.400 slash line with nine homers and 27 RBI in 215 plate appearances.