Romy Gonzalez's journey with the Boston Red Sox is a testament to how valuable a player claimed off waivers can become. After a standout performance in 2025, fans were eager to see what more he could offer. However, they'll have to wait a bit longer as Gonzalez's 2026 debut is postponed due to a lingering shoulder injury from last season.
Gonzalez, who had hoped to be ready by Opening Day with the help of a platelet-rich plasma injection, shared his concerns about rushing back too soon. "Honestly, I don’t think so," he said, addressing his readiness. "I feel like it’d be a disservice to myself and the team if I’m not fully prepared."
With Gonzalez sidelined, the Red Sox are exploring other options for second base. The offseason saw the team miss out on Alex Bregman and several other infield targets before acquiring Caleb Durbin.
This led some to speculate that Gonzalez might start at second base, with Marcelo Mayer at third. However, manager Alex Cora clarified that Mayer's spot isn't guaranteed, leaving the door open for Gonzalez before the Durbin trade.
As the Red Sox adjust to Gonzalez's absence, they have several candidates ready to step up. The trade with the Milwaukee Brewers brought infielders Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler. While Seigler is dealing with a knee issue, Monasterio has made a strong case for himself, already showcasing his skills in the Grapefruit League with two hits, a run, and a homer in just three appearances.
The signing of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a versatile player with experience across the diamond, now makes perfect sense in light of Gonzalez's injury. Kiner-Falefa's ability to play multiple positions, including catcher, adds valuable depth to the roster.
Marcelo Mayer is also in contention for the second base spot. Recovering from wrist surgery that cut his 2025 season short, Mayer is expected to make his spring training debut soon. While his defense could bolster the infield, he'll need to show offensive improvement to secure a roster spot.
Though none of the potential replacements have matched Gonzalez's proven track record, the Red Sox are focused on filling the gap at second base efficiently. This will allow Gonzalez the time he needs to recover fully, as his ability to hit left-handed pitching is a crucial asset to the lineup. In the meantime, the team is poised to give others a chance to shine at second base.