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Former Red Sox Infielder Joins NL Contender for Spring Training

A former Boston Red Sox infielder just landed himself a spring training opportunity with an NL contender as the 2025 season looms.

By Devon Platana

Former Boston Red Sox second baseman Christian Arroyo (39) is congratulated after he hit a grand slam during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at JetBlue Park at Fenway South.
Former Boston Red Sox second baseman Christian Arroyo (39) is congratulated after he hit a grand slam during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. / Kim Klement-Imagn Images
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MLB spring training is officially underway as all 30 clubs begin to ramp up their sessions in preparation for next week's exhibition action. Even though rosters — like that of the Boston Red Sox — have already taken shape, there's still time for teams to flesh out their respective lineup with a free-agent signing or two.

In fact, one NL contender just brought in a veteran player who Red Sox fans are quite familiar with.

Red Sox News: Phillies Sign Christian Arroyo to Minor League Contract

On Thursday, MLB Trade Rumors' Tim Dierkes reported that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed former Red Sox infielder Christian Arroyo to a minor league contract. The signing also includes an invite to the Phillies' training camp, opening the door for a potential MLB return.

Arroyo, 29, was drafted 25th overall by the San Francisco Giants back in 2013. He was once Baseball America's No. 62-ranked prospect, showing just how high expectations were for him before beginning his MLB career.

The Brooksville, FL native struggled to find a place to call home early in his career. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2017 after spending one season in the Giants' lineup only to be moved to Cleveland ahead of the 2020 trade deadline.

Arroyo finally made his way to Boston in August 2020 as a waiver claim. He went on to suit up in 224 games across parts of four seasons with the Red Sox, registering 18 home runs, 93 RBIs, 32 walks, and a .264/.306/.411 slash line.

He left Beantown last offseason to test his luck in free agency, however, the decision failed to land him an MLB opportunity. Instead, Arroyo spent the 2024 season playing with the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A affiliate in Nashville, tallying two HRs and 13 RBIs while batting .237 across 114 at-bats.

Arroyo has experience playing throughout the infield, making it interesting to see how the Phillies use him. He's reliable defensively, meaning how his bat performs this spring will likely dictate his outlook.

Boston fans won't have to wait too long to be reunited with their former infielder. The Red Sox will take on Arroyo's Phillies when the two clubs collide in a Grapefruit League showdown on Friday, Feb. 28.

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