News and notes from around Red Sox Nation.
After a shaky start to the 2024 season, David Hamilton found a defensive home at second base, started to hit, and tore up the base paths. But despite the surprisingly strong rookie campaign, he enters the 2025 season without a starting spot, as the Red Sox infield remains overcrowded. Nevertheless, it sure sounds like he has a spot on the 26-man roster and is prepared to play all over the field in order to get into the lineup this year. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
Speaking of that crowded infield, we still don’t have much clarity on where Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers are going to be playing. But Alex Cora isn’t worried about this having a negative effect in the clubhouse. (Scott McLaughlin, WEEI)
For all the talk about Bregman, Devers, and super prospect Kristian Campbell, Vaughn Grissom has been lost in the infield shuffle. But he absolutely still could make the Opening Day roster. (MLB.com)
Who could be the next Red Sox rookie to make a surprisingly positive impact at the big league level a la Hamilton? Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer don’t count, as they’re all expected to produce (though of course it could take them some time to get acclimated). How about Jhostynxon Garcia, who says his goal is to make his MLB debut before the 2025 season ends? (Greg Dudek, NESN)
One of the best things about spring training is seeing young players like Garcia receive mentorship from Red Sox legends. But this is the first spring training in a while withoug one particular Sox legend: Luis Tiant. (Gio Rivera, NESN)