Sox Trade Gray for Baez (1/22/26)

No, not Sonny Gray. After the Boston Red Sox made the shocking move to sign Ranger Suarez, the Sox needed to open up a slot on the 40 man roster. Newly acquired infielder Tristan Gray was shipped off to the Minnesota Twins for 24 year old catching prospect Nate Baez.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                               IN

The 29 year old Gray played 47 career games in the majors including 30 last year for the Tampa Bay Rays hitting a lusty .231. The Sox essentially traded Luis Guerrero to clear up a spot and Gray was expendable.

So who did they get? Baez was taken in the 12th round back in 2022 15 picks before the Sox chose left handed pitcher Hayden Mullins. Baez was all or nothing in 2024 with the High A Cedar Rapids Kernels belting 12 home runs but hitting just .239. Last year he hit just 3 home runs but only played 45 games. The word on him is he's a below average catcher than can possibly hit for power. 

This was just a clear-out to open up a roster spot for Ranger Suarez and Baez is unlikely to develop into a star. If he does, then Breslow got lucky.