Red Sox make small trade to clear roster spot, send newcomer to Twins after acquiring him in November

On November 18, the Red Sox acquired infielder Tristan Gray in a small trade with Tampa Bay and made him their first 40-man roster addition of the offseason. Now, he’s on the move again.

In part to clear a 40-man spot for free agent addition Ranger Suárez, who will be announced as the newest member of the club Wednesday morning at Fenway Park, the Red Sox have swung a minor trade to send Gray to the Twins, sources said. The return is not yet known. Boston’s 40-man roster was full, so the club needed to make a move to accommodate the addition of Suárez, whose five-year, $130 million contract will soon be official after he passed a physical.

Gray was acquired from the Rays for reliever Luis Guerrero earlier in the offseason and was expected to compete for a utility role in spring training. Gray, a 29-year-old left-handed hitter, appeared in 30 games for the Rays in 2025. He batted .231 with a .282 on-base percentage, .410 slugging percentage and .693 OPS, three homers and five doubles in 86 plate appearances. He has major league experience with the Athletics and Marlins as well. Gray was in attendance for Fenway Fest in Boston earlier this month and attended Trevor Story’s camp in Texas as well.