Boston Red Sox DFA Catcher; Fourth Time This Season
The Boston Red Sox made a roster move Sunday, designating catcher Ali Sanchez for assignment to clear space for outfielder Wilyer Abreu’s return from the injured list.
Abreu had been sidelined for over a month with calf tightness but is immediately back in the lineup as Boston’s designated hitter, a sign the team may be easing him back into action.
Ali Sanchez has been DFA’d to open up a roster spot for Wilyer Abreu on the big league roster.
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) September 21, 2025
That marks the end of the 3 catcher situation, which Alex Cora credited 3 different wins too.
Just thankful to have another impact bat with Abreu in the mix. Need one of his heaters. pic.twitter.com/7wZsKpYRta
Red Sox send Ali Sanchez to waivers
The 28-year-old Sanchez began 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays on a minor league deal and has since bounced between Toronto, the New York Mets, and Boston. He’s now been DFA’d four times this season, including twice by the Red Sox.
While Sanchez is well-regarded for his glove, his bat has lagged behind. Across 133 career plate appearances, he owns a .183/.220/.233 slash line with no home runs, numbers that have made it difficult for him to stick on a major league roster.
Wilyer Abreu is officially back.
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) September 21, 2025
The Red Sox designated Ali Sanchez for assignment to clear space on the active roster.
Because Sanchez has been outrighted before, he has the option to test free agency if he clears waivers. However, given Boston’s thin catching depth behind Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong, there’s a chance he accepts an assignment to Triple-A Worcester to remain in the organization.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
