si
The Boston Red Sox are expected to make roster adjustments before Opening Day 2027, and one potential casualty could be infielder Romy Gonzalez. With the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players set for November 20—the last Friday before Thanksgiving—the team faces decisions on several players, including Gonzalez, who has become a fan favorite for his success against left-handed pitching.
Gonzalez, 30, is projected to earn $1.8 million in arbitration, up from $1.6 million last season, per MassLive.com's Sean McAdam. McAdam recently noted that Gonzalez could be a non-tender candidate given his limited playing time and the Red Sox's crowded infield picture. "As someone who hits lefties well, he has value, but the infield depth picture is more crowded than ever, making Gonzalez a potential non-tender candidate if he doesn't agree to a lesser deal," McAdam wrote.
After a career-high 96 games in 2025, Gonzalez was limited to just 19 games in 2026. He missed the first half of the season recovering from spring shoulder surgery and struggled upon his return, posting a .572 OPS. He didn't make his major league debut until June 28, when the struggling Red Sox sought a spark. Gonzalez initially struggled and was demoted to Triple-A around the trade deadline, never returning to the majors.
Despite his rough 2026, Gonzalez showed promise in 2025, slashing .305/.343/.483 with an .826 OPS, nine home runs, 53 RBIs, six stolen bases, and 23 doubles. He also excelled in a late-season stint at Triple-A, batting .370/.434/.589 with a 1.023 OPS, three home runs, and 19 RBIs over 20 games from August 15 to September 19. Some analysts believe Boston should have given him another shot down the stretch, but the team opted otherwise.
Key Analysis
While Gonzalez's 2026 campaign was derailed by injury and inconsistent playing time, his track record against lefties and his 2025 production suggest he still has value off the bench. However, with the Red Sox's infield depth more crowded than ever, the team may opt to allocate his projected salary elsewhere. The November 20 tender deadline will be a key date to watch as Boston weighs whether to retain Gonzalez or let him become a free agent.