The Minnesota Twins have traded minor league catcher Nate Baez to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for utility infielder Tristan Gray. To accommodate Gray on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated infielder Vidal Bruján for assignment. This move bolsters Minnesota's infield depth ahead of the 2026 season.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Twins executed a trade with the Boston Red Sox, acquiring utility infielder Tristan Gray while sending minor league catcher and first baseman Nate Baez to Boston. The deal reflects ongoing adjustments to the Twins' infield as they prepare for the upcoming season.
To create roster space for Gray, the Twins designated Vidal Bruján for release or assignment. Bruján had been claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves earlier in January. Gray, a 28-year-old product of Rice University, joins a competitive group vying for utility roles, including Austin Martin, Kody Clemens, Edouard Julien, and Eric Wagaman. Minnesota's projected starters are Josh Bell at first base, Luke Keaschall at second, Brooks Lee at shortstop, and Royce Lewis at third base. Clemens appears secure in a utility spot, potentially leaving limited opportunities for Gray, Orlando Arcia, and Ryan Kreidler, particularly at backup shortstop.
Gray's MLB experience includes 47 games since his 2023 debut, where he posted a .207/.264/.369 slash line across stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Athletics. The Red Sox had recently acquired him from the Rays in November for right-hander Luis Guerrero. Earlier in his career, Gray was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 13th round of the 2017 draft and also spent time with the Chicago White Sox.
For Boston, Baez adds depth behind catchers Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong, bringing the team's 40-man roster to 39 players. Selected in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University, Baez has compiled a .788 OPS over four minor league seasons in the Twins' system, reaching as high as Double-A.
