Fenway Times - Saturday, February 22, 2025: Red Sox Spring Training Highlights and Key Developments
On this lively spring training Saturday, the Boston Red Sox are actively preparing for the upcoming season amid a mix of promising performances and notable challenges. Fans could watch live coverage of the team’s spring debut on MLB.TV, where players like Crochet and Bregman made their first appearances in Red Sox uniforms, signaling an exciting start to the preseason. Roman Anthony also made his first start of spring training, showcasing the team’s emerging talent, although he was a late scratch from another game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of spring lineups.
Injuries continue to test the Red Sox’s depth, with key pitchers Kutter Crawford and Bello sidelined due to knee and shoulder issues, respectively. These setbacks have prompted the team to evaluate their rotation options carefully, especially with Giolito and Abreu also dealing with health updates. The team’s management remains optimistic about Tanner Houck’s upcoming spring debut and is closely monitoring Wilyer Abreu’s recovery process. Meanwhile, questions about the team’s bullpen, particularly who will step into the closer role in 2025, remain a topic of concern among fans and analysts alike.
The roster discussions extend beyond injuries, as Triston Casas expressed understanding rather than frustration over potential trade offers aimed at strengthening the roster. The team is also exploring trade possibilities, with Nolan Arenado’s name surfacing in recent trade talks, adding intrigue to the offseason’s ongoing player movement. Additionally, the Red Sox have signed pitcher Matt Moore to a minor league deal, bolstering their pitching depth as spring training progresses.
Off the field, the team’s dynamics and recent reactions have sparked conversations, including Rafael Devers’s response to Alex Bregman’s signing with the Astros, which has generated some buzz among fans trying to interpret the mood at Fenway South. The team’s overall outlook is also shaped by broader league perspectives, such as a poll asking whether the Red Sox will extend Garrett Crochet this spring, and a look at the Yankees as their longtime rivals prepare for their own season.
Amidst the on-field action, fans are also engaging with various threads and discussions, including a recap of the 2022 Red Sox’s struggles and how those experiences have shaped current perspectives. The team’s opening game of spring training saw a comeback win over Northeastern University, setting an optimistic tone for the season ahead. As the team continues to build chemistry and evaluate talent, the 2025 season remains full of anticipation, with many wondering who will emerge as the team’s closer and key contributors in the months to come.