Believe it or not, former Twins catcher Mickey Gasper has been the Boston Red Sox's best hitter over the past week or so. The Red Sox recalled Gasper from Triple-A Worcester on Aug. 16 after placing Masataka Yoshida on the injured list with a strained left hamstring. Since then, Gasper has slashed an outstanding .476/.621/1.333 with five home runs, three doubles, six walks, 12 RBI and one strikeout over 29 plate appearances.
Gasper is a 30-year-old journeyman catcher who has also recorded MLB innings at first base, second base and left field. He made his MLB debut with Boston in 2024. The Red Sox traded Gasper to the Twins for left-hander Jovani Moran in Dec. 2024. In 45 games with Minnesota, Gasper hit just .158/.257/.232 with two home runs and 11 RBI.
The Twins designated Gasper for assignment this past offseason. The Washington Nationals claimed Gasper off waivers on Jan. 20, only to designate him for assignment nine days later. The Red Sox brought Gasper back by claiming him off waivers from Washington.
Impending return of Red Sox stars could cost Mickey Gasper his roster spot despite hot streak
Despite Gasper's strong stretch at the plate, there's a strong chance he'll lose his 26-man roster spot soon, as Roman Anthony, Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are all rehabbing with Worcester and nearing returns from the injured list.
However, it'll be difficult for Boston to justify removing Gasper from its active roster if he keeps performing like an MVP. While a .476/.621/1.333 slash line isn't sustainable, the Red Sox may want to keep Gasper in the lineup while he's hot.
While Gasper can play catcher, first base, second base and corner outfield, he has only served as a designated hitter since being recalled by Boston earlier this month. Even with Anthony, Story and Kiner-Falefa nearing returns, Boston may try to find room for Gasper to play on a somewhat regular basis while he's on a hot streak.
But that won't be easy. The Red Sox will likely want to use the DH spot to give their returning players occasional breaks from the field. Also, the Red Sox have a crowded outfield of Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Anthony. The Red Sox will need one of those outfielders to DH or sit on the bench every game. Boston could also move Rafaela to the infield.
Story's return doesn't really affect Gasper as much, as he is a primary shortstop. Meanwhile, Kiner-Falefa is more of a utility man than an everyday starter.
With just 26 men allowed on an active roster, it'll be hard for Boston to keep Gasper on the team. Rosters will expand to 27 in September, which could allow Gasper to remain with the Red Sox. Regardless, it appears there may not be room for the former Twin on Boston's roster soon.
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