DEVELOPMENTAL MOVE: BOSTON RED SOX SIGN RELIEVER DEVIN SWEET TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL WITH SPRING TRAINING INVITE

In a quiet but potentially impactful move, the Boston Red Sox have signed 29-year-old reliever Devin Sweet to a minor league deal, which includes an invitation to spring training. The signing, confirmed through his transaction log, reflects a low-risk gamble by the Red Sox, who are looking to add depth to their bullpen.

Sweet, who spent all of the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley, will be assigned to Triple-A Worcester as part of the deal. After electing free agency from the Phillies on October 10, Sweet officially signed with Boston on December 18, giving him a fresh start with a new organization.

A LOW-RISK SIGNING WITH POTENTIAL UPSIDE

This move is one that does not carry significant expectations, but it does have upside if Sweet can find a way to return to his previous form. The Red Sox have been careful not to overcommit to Sweet, as his 2025 season in the Phillies’ system was far from stellar. In 46 outings, Sweet posted a 5.08 ERA, a figure that raises questions about his ability to succeed in higher levels of competition. However, the Red Sox are betting that with a change of scenery and a solid spring training, Sweet may be able to regain his form and serve as a reliable option in the bullpen depth chart.

With a career ERA of 4.42 across 107 Triple-A games, Sweet is far from a finished product. He has yet to establish himself as a consistent performer at the major league level, but the Red Sox are hopeful that the coaching staff and a fresh environment could provide the developmental boost he needs.

LIMITED MAJOR LEAGUE EXPERIENCE, BUT OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Sweet’s major league track record is limited, but it provides some insight into the challenges he faces. He made his debut in the big leagues on July 19, 2023, for the Seattle Mariners. However, his time in the majors was brief and largely unremarkable. After being designated for assignment by the Mariners on August 31 of that same year, Sweet was claimed by the Oakland Athletics. With the A’s, he appeared in just five games, during which he allowed three home runs and eight earned runs, ultimately struggling to make a meaningful impact.

Since then, Sweet has not made a return to the major leagues, but the Red Sox may be able to provide him with the necessary tools to work his way back. Although not a high-profile signing, Sweet’s potential to provide depth and possibly contribute in a pinch has value. With an option year still remaining, the Red Sox have some flexibility in how they handle his development.

A FRESH START IN SPRING TRAINING

Spring training will be crucial for Sweet, as it presents an opportunity for him to refine his mechanics and make the adjustments necessary to succeed at the major league level. If he can prove that he has the ability to perform consistently in the high-pressure environment of Triple-A Worcester, the Red Sox could be in a position to call him up during the season to help fill innings in case of injuries or roster needs.

The potential for Sweet to carve out a role in Boston’s bullpen is certainly a long shot, but it’s not without merit. The Red Sox have shown that they are willing to give players a chance to develop in their system, and if Sweet can find a way to adjust, he could become a valuable asset as a depth piece. This minor league deal gives him the opportunity to prove himself once again and potentially earn a spot on the Red Sox roster in the future.

CONCLUSION: A SMALL BUT POTENTIAL-LOADED MOVE FOR BOSTON

Devin Sweet’s signing is not the type of move that will define the Red Sox’s season, but it is one that offers potential for both the team and the player. The low-risk nature of the deal allows the Red Sox to take a chance on a pitcher who has had a rough couple of seasons but could still be capable of contributing at the big league level.

If Sweet can use spring training to make adjustments and prove himself in Triple-A, the Red Sox may have a reliable depth option on their hands, one who could be called upon in case of injury or pitching struggles. While his time in the majors has been limited and inconsistent, this is a move that could pay off in the long run if Sweet finds his stride. For now, the Red Sox will give him a fresh start and an opportunity to rewrite his career—an opportunity he’ll likely be eager to seize.