Red Sox Open Offseason With Defensive Honors and Roster Moves
Boston’s offseason has begun with three Gold Glove wins, Sonny Gray’s departure and trades involving Nate Eaton and Tsung-Che Cheng.
The Red Sox have won three Gold Gloves so far this offseason, with outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, outfielder Wilyer Abreu and third baseman Caleb Durbin recognized for their defense. Rafaela and Abreu each earned the award for a second consecutive year, while Durbin became the first Boston infielder to win one since 2018.
Rafaela recorded 21 defensive runs saved in center field, and Abreu’s 28 in right field led all major leaguers at any position. Durbin led American League third basemen with 13 defensive runs saved. He played through pain during the season and underwent surgery to remove part of a foot bone and repair a tendon.
Boston also has a decision to make about its starting rotation. Sonny Gray, a right-handed pitcher, has entered free agency after both sides declined his mutual option, triggering a $10 million buyout. The team could look to add an experienced starter, though it may not find a pitcher of Gray’s caliber.
The Red Sox traded outfielder Nate Eaton to the Athletics for minor league right-hander Jareth Rayo. Eaton appeared in 24 games for Boston and 84 for Triple-A Worcester. Rayo, 18, made his professional debut in 2026, posting a 5.50 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 36 innings in the Dominican Summer League.
Boston also dealt Tsung-Che Cheng, an infielder, to Detroit’s Tigers for cash considerations. The offseason moves come after Boston finished with one of baseball’s stronger pitching staffs but ranked among its less powerful home-run-hitting teams. The team’s next challenge is to add enough offense while maintaining its strengths in the field and on the mound.