The Boston Red Sox didn’t exactly have the sort of offseason their fans were hoping for, but there’s no doubt that the team has a roster that is loaded with talent heading into the new season. And as a result, that has forced manager Alex Cora to make some difficult decisions when it comes to the construction of his Opening Day roster.
Figuring out what Boston’s depth chart for its lineup is going to look like has been one of Cora’s toughest challenges. The Sox have a handful of players who are deserving of beginning the year in the majors, but only 26 players can make up the roster. After Boston’s latest moves, it looks like utility infielder Andruw Monasterio has received some good news.
Andrew Monasterio Appears Set to Make Red Sox’s Opening Day Roster
Monasterio entered Spring Training as a bit of an overlooked option for the Red Sox. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the Caleb Durbin trade, Monasterio’s arrival flew under the radar, which isn’t much of a surprise considering how Durbin was immediately viewed as the team’s replacement for Alex Bregman, who previously signed with the Chicago Cubs in free agency.
Over the past three seasons, Monasterio has worked as a jack-of-all-trades off the bench for the Brewers. In 68 games with Milwaukee last season, Monasterio hit .270 with four home runs and 16 RBIs, while spending time at all four infield positions and left field. Monasterio’s versatility in the field makes him a valuable player, assuming he can hold his own at the plate.
During Spring Training, Monasterio turned heads for Boston, as he’s hit .300 with one home run and six RBIs in 40 at-bats. While Nate Eaton, who spent time with the Red Sox last year, seemed to have the inside track for a roster spot, he was optioned to Triple-A ahead of Opening Day, which all but ensures Monasterio will begin the year in the majors.
“Red Sox optioned Nate Eaton to Worcester, clearing the path for Andruw Monasterio to make the team,” Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported on Monday morning.
Red Sox’s Opening Day Roster Nears Completion
GettyAndruw Monasterio appears set to make the Red Sox’s Opening Day roster
The pieces of the puzzle are finally beginning to come together for Boston. The team’s bench is pretty much set in stone, as Connor Wong won the backup catcher job. They will join free agent signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Masataka Yoshida as the Red Sox’s four-man bench group, and it’s safe to expect that each of these guys will receive a decent chunk of at-bats in 2026.
There are still several questions that need to be answered, most of which revolve around the pitching staff. Figuring out who will be the team’s No. 5 starter is perhaps the biggest remaining decision, and once that is done, that will allow for the bullpen to be filled out. The Sox have an excess of talent across the board, and the only time that’s a problem is when it comes to building the Opening Day roster. Thankfully, though, one of Cora’s toughest tasks is almost complete.
Andruw Monasterio Gets Good News After Red Sox Roster Decision