Role
Romy Gonzalez had the best year of his career in 2025, then lost most of 2026 to left shoulder surgery in March. He came back on June 28, played 19 games at first, second and DH, and was optioned to Worcester on Aug. 4. He stayed there until a Sept. 28 recall. For 2027 he's competing for a bench spot that can cover the infield and hit lefties.
Outlook
The 2025 numbers were real: .305/.343/.483 in 96 games, with a hard-hit rate in the 99th percentile. The 2026 numbers were not: .185/.264/.308 in 73 plate appearances, right after a long layoff. At Worcester he hit .321/.378/.481 in 28 games. He's arbitration-eligible, and MLB Trade Rumors projects $1.8 million.
Our take: 73 plate appearances after shoulder surgery tell us very little. A healthy Gonzalez is a cheap right-handed bat who can play three positions, and that's what this roster is short on. We think the Red Sox tender him and he earns back a bench job in spring.