Red Sox Roster Moves Point Toward Club Sticking With Connor Wong

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The Boston Red Sox optioned/reassigned three players to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Boston is electing to move forward without Nate Eaton, Mickey Gasper, or Matt Thaiss, as shared by The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey.

Eaton is the biggest surprise, as there was an expectation that his infield/outfield versatility could help him snag the final spot on the bench. Gasper and Thaiss had an opportunity, albeit a slight one, to back their way onto the roster due to their catching abilities, but were passed over for a familiar face -- with the roster now coming into focus as the club prepares for Opening Day against the Cincinnati Reds.

2026 Boston Red Sox
C: Carlos Narváez
1B: Willson Contreras
2B: Marcelo Mayer
SS: Trevor Story
3B: Caleb Durbin
OF: Roman Anthony
OF: Ceddanne Rafaela
OF: Wilyer Abreu
DH: Jarren Duran
Bench: Connor Wong (C)
Bench: Isiah Kiner-Falefa (UTI)
Bench: Masataka Yoshida (OF/DH)
Bench: Andruw Monasterio (INF)

The Red Sox still have yet to make a decision on Triston Casas or Anthony Seigler, though the expectation is that they will be optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

Wong, 29, didn't have the best spring training, slashing .074/.194/.268 across 12 appearances in the Grapefruit League. Boston seems to value his familiarity and comfortability with the pitching staff, however, and will keep him around for a sixth season as it presumably continues trying to upgrade that position.

Monasterio, 28, ultimately finds his way onto the roster thanks to his defensive versatility -- as he made appearances at first base, second base, third base, and shortstop while slashing .300/.383/.425 in the Grapefruit League.

The Red Sox will keep a steady rotation across the outfield and at designated hitter, utilizing the likes of Anthony, Rafaela, Abreu, Duran, and Yoshida.

More MLB: Red Sox Reportedly Option Utility Star Nate Eaton To Triple-A Worcester