Red Sox ignite offseason chaos with non-tender moves
The Boston Red Sox have officially kicked off their offseason, marking a pivotal moment as the hot stove season begins to heat up. Friday represented a significant deadline, with teams needing to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players by 5 p.m. ET. The Red Sox made headlines by non-tendering two players, a move that had been widely anticipated, setting the stage for what could be an eventful offseason.
Red Sox part ways with Lowe and Winckowski
In a move announced through their social media channels, the Red Sox confirmed that both first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and right-handed pitcher Josh Winckowski would be non-tendered. This decision followed their designation for assignment earlier in the week, a step taken to clear space on the 40-man roster. As such, neither departure came as a shock to fans or analysts.
Lowe, who celebrated a World Series title in 2023, now joins his former Texas Rangers teammates—Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and Josh Sborz—on the free-agent market, all of whom were also non-tendered by Texas. During his relatively short stint with the Red Sox, Lowe’s performance was not lackluster; however, he was projected to command an arbitration salary exceeding $10 million, largely due to his early-career achievements and championship status. With Triston Casas expected to return from injury next year and the team likely to pursue free-agent options, including potentially eyeing New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Lowe’s exit opens up possibilities for the Red Sox.
Winckowski’s situation was somewhat different. The right-hander contributed just 11 2/3 innings for the Red Sox this past season, following a strong showing as a leverage reliever in 2023. He had also served as a swingman in the 2024 season, but his limited innings this year contributed to his non-tender status.
Red Sox’s roster outlook
As it stands, only four players on the Red Sox’s active roster are without guaranteed salaries for the upcoming season and are eligible for arbitration: Casas, right-handed pitchers Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck, and infielder Romy Gonzalez. With the offseason now in full swing, all eyes will be on the Red Sox as they navigate potential trades and free-agent signings.
The anticipation for the next roster moves is palpable, as fans await the first major transaction that could reshape the team’s future. The hot stove is officially lit, and the Red Sox have set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing offseason.
