JUST IN: Boston Red Sox Officially Cut Ties With Pitcher Ryan Watson After Roster Shake-Up
The Boston Red Sox have made another notable roster decision as they continue reshaping their pitching staff during the 2026 season, officially parting ways with right-handed pitcher Ryan Watson.
Boston designated Watson for assignment on August 4, creating room on the roster as the club continued making adjustments during its push toward the postseason. Just three days later, the Los Angeles Angels claimed Watson off waivers, bringing his time with the Red Sox to an end.
The decision came during a period of significant movement around Boston’s pitching staff. The Red Sox have been aggressively managing their roster as they attempt to maintain their position in the American League playoff race, with several pitchers moving between the major-league club and Triple-A Worcester.
Why Did Boston Move On From Watson?
Watson’s departure appears to have been driven primarily by roster competition and Boston’s need to create space for other players.
The Red Sox designated him for assignment on August 4, shortly after activating several players and making other roster adjustments. Boston subsequently selected pitchers from Worcester while continuing to evaluate the depth of its pitching staff.
Rather than allowing Watson to remain in the organization, the Angels claimed him off waivers, giving the right-hander an opportunity to continue his major-league career elsewhere.
The move may not have attracted the same attention as a blockbuster trade, but it illustrates how competitive Boston’s roster has become.
Red Sox Continue Reshaping Their Pitching Staff
Boston’s pitching situation has changed considerably throughout the season.
The club recently added veteran starter Sonny Gray, who has quickly become one of the most important pieces of the rotation. Gray earned his 16th victory of the season against San Francisco on August 22, tying him for the MLB lead in wins.
The Red Sox also have several other pitching options available, while injured players continue working their way back toward the major-league roster.
One particularly interesting situation involves Garrett Crochet. After dealing with shoulder inflammation, Crochet is not expected to return as a traditional starter immediately. Instead, Boston could use him in a limited bullpen role if he returns this season.
That development could give the Red Sox another powerful weapon as they prepare for the postseason.
Was Cutting Watson the Right Decision?
From Boston’s perspective, the move can be viewed as a practical roster decision rather than an indication that Watson lacked major-league ability.
The Red Sox have been forced to make difficult choices because of the number of players competing for limited roster spots. With the club pushing toward October and several pitchers capable of contributing, Boston had to prioritize the players it believed offered the greatest immediate value.
Watson’s departure therefore represents another example of the difficult decisions facing the organization.
The Angels’ decision to claim him also suggests that another major-league club saw enough potential to give him an opportunity. His next chapter in Los Angeles could ultimately determine whether Boston was too quick to move on.
Boston’s Bigger Picture
Despite the roster changes, the Red Sox continue to perform well.
Boston recently completed a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants, winning 5-4 in the series finale on August 23. Jake Bennett delivered seven innings in the victory, while the offense provided enough support to secure the sweep.
The Red Sox have also benefited from a strong bullpen and several important additions made during the season.
As Boston enters the crucial stretch of the 2026 campaign, every roster decision could become increasingly important.
Ryan Watson is now officially part of the Red Sox’s past, with the Angels claiming him off waivers after Boston designated him for assignment. The decision may prove to be a routine roster move—or it could eventually become one of those transactions Boston looks back on differently.
For now, the Red Sox appear focused on one objective: building the strongest possible pitching staff for the postseason.
Source
The Boston Red Sox’s official MLB transaction log confirms that Ryan Watson was designated for assignment on August 4, 2026, and that the Los Angeles Angels subsequently claimed him off waivers on August 7.
Leave a Reply