"Last year, the Red Sox first free agent signing of the offseason was a journeyman reliever who had put up an ERA+ of 79 for the Cincinnati Reds the season before. The fanbase wasn't pleased, but Justin Wilson ended up being one of the most reliable arms in the 2025 bullpen. This year, the Sox first free agent signing is just as underwhelming. But, as with the Wilson signing, it's not something anyone should actually get worked up about."
"The Sox signed 30-year-old catcher Jason Delay, who has spent eight years in the Pirates and Braves organizations while playing in only 134 big league games, to a minor league deal. Feel free to whinge, but remember that AAA depth is a necessity and you probably won't see his name again in the next 12 months. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive) Jason Delay isn't likely to impact the 2026 Red Sox one way or the other."
"But the same cannot be said of Kristian Campbell. Whether Campbell can regain the form that made him the American League Rookie of the Month in April - and whether he can settle at a position - are two of the biggest questions facing the Sox going into the offseason. So what do the Sox want him to focus on to prepare for next year? Adding strength and getting some mental rest. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)"
Last offseason's opening signing was a journeyman reliever who underperformed previously but became a reliable 2025 bullpen arm. This offseason's first addition is 30-year-old catcher Jason Delay on a minor-league deal to provide AAA depth; he has 134 big-league games across Pirates and Braves organizations and is unlikely to affect the 2026 roster. Kristian Campbell represents a major uncertainty for the Red Sox, as questions remain about regaining April form, settling at a defensive position, and physical and mental preparation; the team wants him to add strength and receive mental rest. Top free-agent and trade targets include Alex Bregman and Tarik Skubal, while bench coach Ramon Vazquez appears likely to remain.
Read at Over the Monster
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