For now, with the lockout nearing its third month, the Red Sox are prohibited from making any additions to their 40-man roster. They can't even so much as talk to or about major league free agents, never mind sign any of them.
But as always over the course of the offseason, they're free to accumulate minor league free agents -- and have. To date, the Sox have signed eight and extended them invitations to spring training.
Some, in fact, have already reported to spring training, in preparation for minor league spring training games, or, when an agreement is reached, actual Grapefruit League contests.
In the past, some such players have gone on to make significant contributions to the major league roster. Ryan Brasier, for instance, came out of nowhere in 2018, was promoted to the big leagues a few months later, and has since become a mainstay in their bullpen. Others in recent years include outfielder Daniel Nava and pitchers Hector Velazquez, Marcus Walden, Rich Hill and Tommy Layne.
None attained All-Star status. But each contributed in an important way to a Red Sox roster.
When this season eventually gets under way, chances are one or more of the minor league free agents signed by the organization this winter will be a part of the major league roster. It might only be for 10 days or so while someone recovers from a short-term injury. Or it could be a more significant contribution.
Here's a look at a few who might be heard from:
OF Rob Refsnyder: Refsnyder has the most major league experience of anyone in the group, having played 232 games over the previous six seasons for five different organizations. Although it hasn't manifested itself much at the major league level, Refsnyder has plus speed, having once stolen 23 bases in the minors. He's played all three outfield spots and has also played some second base and first base, too. That defensive versatility could make him an interesting bench piece in the event the Sox need some depth at a few positions.
1B Roberto Ramos: Ramos joins the organization as something of an unknown quantity at the major league level, having never had a single regular season at-bat in the big leagues. But he's shown real pop at the upper levels of the minor leagues, belting 30 homers for Colorado's Triple-A affiliate in 2019. In 2020, he blasted 38 homers in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and last year split time between Korea and his native Mexico. He will likely begin the year at Triple-A Worcester and could see some at-bats at both first and DH. If the Red Sox don't add another lefthanded-hitting first base option (say, Kyle Schwarber) to pair with Bobby Dalbec, Ramos could, if he produces at Worcester, earn an opportunity while the Red Sox wait for top prospect Triston Casas to continue his development at Triple A.
RHP Michael Feliz: Feliz has been a journeyman pitcher, having been with five different organizations since making his big league debut in 2015. After spending some time at Worcester last season, he made four appearances with the big league club late in the season. Of his 227 big league appearances, all but one have come in relief. It's possible he could earn a spot on the 26-man roster with a strong spring training showing, since the Sox currently envision some competition for both middle- and high-leverage bullpen spots. More likely, he'll go to Worcester again and be available when an inevitable relief opening -- via injury or underperformance -- manifests itself.