Red Sox Make Somewhat Surprising Roster Move To Add Garrett Cooper

The Boston Red Sox made a relatively surprising roster move Monday to make room for Garrett Cooper, whom the club acquired Saturday in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

The Red Sox designated infielder Pablo Reyes for assignment as part of adding Cooper to the active 26-man MLB roster.

It’s been a tough season for Reyes, who joined the Red Sox in 2023, but the 30-year-old was a versatile defender, capable of playing all four infield positions and perhaps even the outfield in a pinch given his pre-Boston track record.

Reyes batted .183/.234/.217 with no home runs, five RBIs and 19 strikeouts to just three walks in 64 plate appearances in 2024.

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The Red Sox couldn’t simply send Reyes to Triple-A Worcester, as he’s out of minor-league options. They’ll now have one week to trade him, release him or attempt to pass him through outright waivers.

The Red Sox acquired Cooper, primarily a first baseman with outfield experience, in exchange for cash considerations. Boston transferred Triston Casas to the 60-day injured list Saturday to make room on the 40-man roster.

Cooper presumably will garner regular playing time at first base in Casas’ absence, which could span a while given the significance of the 24-year-old’s rib injury. The veteran newcomer is a right-handed hitter with some pop.

The 33-year-old was an All-Star with the Miami Marlins in 2022, a season in which he ultimately slashed .261/.337/.415 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs in 469 plate appearances. He totaled a career-high 17 homers and 61 RBIs last year in 457 plate appearances split between Miami and the San Diego Padres.