Red Sox Roster Moves Signal Major Offseason Overhaul

The St. Louis Cardinals could non-tender breakout catcher Yohel Pozo this winter amid an embarrassing glut of catchers, a move driven more by 40-man roster logistics than cost despite Pozo’s personal breakthrough (and backstory). The Boston Red Sox face a significant 40-man roster crunch as injured players are reinstated, forcing tough choices on fringe major-leaguers. Insiders have flagged speedy infielder David Hamilton and bullpen arms Jovani Morán and Josh Winckowski as leading candidates to be designated for assignment to clear space. Right-hander Bryan Mata remains in the Boston system but is off the 40-man, out of options and has been assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela while his roster status is decided. The Red Sox are expected to decline Liam Hendriks’ $12 million mutual option for 2026 and pay a $2 million buyout, making him a free agent. With Triston Casas injured and Alex Bregman’s future uncertain, pundits are urging Boston to explore a power upgrade (Pete Alonso has been suggested) to help the club’s World Series window now.