The Boston Red Sox have signed veteran infielder Abraham Toro to a minor-league contract, according to Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extra Base. This agreement includes an invitation to major-league spring training, giving Toro an opportunity to earn a spot on the big-league roster. The 28-year-old is among nine non-roster players invited to Boston’s spring training camp this year. If Toro makes the major league team, he will earn a base salary of $1 million for the season, per MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo.
Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Seminole State College in Oklahoma, Toro was once regarded as a promising prospect. Since making his big-league debut in 2019, he has accumulated six seasons of major league experience. A native of Canada, he has played in 365 career games with four different teams: the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics.
Toro first broke into the majors with the Astros, where he played parts of three seasons before being traded to the Mariners in July 2021. That trade, which sent Toro and reliever Joe Smith to Seattle, was part of a four-player deal that included closer Kendall Graveman heading to Houston. Toro remained with the Mariners through the 2022 season before being traded again in December of that year. This time, he was sent to the Brewers alongside Jesse Winker in exchange for Kolten Wong and cash considerations.
However, Toro’s time in Milwaukee was short-lived. He appeared in only 21 games with the Brewers during the 2023 season before being traded once again, this time to the Oakland Athletics in November in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chad Patrick. The move gave Toro another fresh start, and he spent the majority of the 2024 season with the A’s.
In 94 games for Oakland last year, the switch-hitting infielder posted a .240 batting average with a .293 on-base percentage and a .350 slugging percentage. His offensive output included 17 doubles, one triple, six home runs, and 26 RBIs across 364 plate appearances. He also added 34 runs scored, four stolen bases, and 20 walks while striking out 62 times. Against right-handed pitchers, Toro hit .227 with a .287 on-base percentage and a .331 slugging percentage, while his numbers were slightly better against left-handers, slashing .286/.313/.416.
One notable statistic from his 2024 season was his 17.4% whiff rate, which ranked in the 88th percentile among all major league hitters, according to Baseball Savant. This suggests that while he did not always make hard contact, he was relatively good at avoiding swings and misses compared to other hitters in the league.
Defensively, Toro demonstrated his versatility by playing four different positions for the Athletics last season. The 6-foot, 223-pound infielder made 49 starts at third base, 17 at second base, four at first base, and even one in left field. While his range and arm strength were considered average, his ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable depth piece for any organization.
Despite his contributions, Toro was designated for assignment by Oakland in late August and subsequently outrighted off the team’s 40-man roster. This allowed him to elect free agency in October, giving him the opportunity to sign with a new team.
Over the course of his major league career, Toro has accumulated a .220/.285/.353 slash line in 1,298 plate appearances. His career totals include 47 doubles, four triples, 34 home runs, 134 RBIs, 145 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 87 walks, and 228 strikeouts. While his offensive production has been inconsistent at the major league level, his ability to switch-hit and play multiple positions has kept him in demand as a depth option for various teams.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Toro is expected to begin the year in Triple-A Worcester, where he will provide additional infield depth for the Red Sox. He will serve as insurance behind a group of infielders that includes Rafael Devers, Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez, Kristian Campbell, and top prospect Marcelo Mayer. If injuries or underperformance create an opportunity, Toro could be a candidate for a call-up to the big-league roster.
At just 28 years old, Toro still has time to carve out a more consistent role at the major league level. While he has bounced between teams in recent years, his combination of switch-hitting ability, defensive versatility, and contact skills could make him a useful piece for the Red Sox organization. His invitation to spring training will give him an early opportunity to impress Boston’s coaching staff and front office, potentially earning him a spot on the major league roster if he performs well.
For now, Toro will enter camp looking to compete for a role, whether as a utility player off the bench or as organizational depth in Worcester. His signing represents a low-risk move for the Red Sox, who continue to build infield depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
