With a shortened season and the possibility of more doubleheaders, there is many talks about expanded rosters, which would make a lot of sense. There is also talks about taxi squads, which makes sense as well, but that is not confirmed. With that all being said, let's take a look at some candidates for the expanded rosters.
Michael Kopech
Kopech was going to to be fighting for a rotation spot regardless, but with expanded rosters, it would make sense for him to be on it. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it might be worth just easing him in. It probably would be best to have him as a long relief guy and/or spot starter. Kopech was expected to be in the future rotation because he possesses elite stuff, but that might not be until 2021. That being said, his arm might be worth having in the bullpen this year regardless. Another name worth mentioning is in the same breath is Carlos Rodon, as Rodon is recovering from Tommy John surgery and would benefit from pitching out of the bullpen in whatever capacity (middle relief, long relief, etc), be an opener, or be a spot starter just so he can be eased back in.
Jose Ruiz
Ruiz has electric stuff, no doubt about it, but he really hasn't shown much promise. With expanded rosters, this will be a good opportunity for him to show what he's made of. If he could harness his abilities, he would be a solid reliever for the Sox.
Zack Collins
Collins was expected to be the future backstop, but with the Yasmani Grandal signing, it seems as though it will be hard to find ways to get Collins consistent playing time. With expanded rosters and lost development time, it would make sense to have him on the roster. He could play catcher or first base from time to time and could also be a designated hitter on occasion as well as being a pinch hitter. Just as long as he gets some at bats and some playing time, that's all that matters.
Yermin Mercedes
Mercedes could also benefit from expanded rosters as he would have chances to play at the majors and he would provide some depth. He can play at catcher, first base, and DH every once in a while. He might be a nice player to have on the bench for a pinch hit too.
Seby Zavala
Teams can never have enough catchers on the roster and Zavala provides a lot of depth. He was supposed to be better with his bat, but if he could step up at the plate, he would be useful. Zavala is good behind the plate too, so as a defensive replacement, he would be useful there too.
Zack Burdi
Burdi has been recovering from injuries that set him back from reaching the majors earlier, but now he has a good chance of doing that in a shortened season with either a taxi squad or expanded rosters. Burdi has good stuff and could be a valuable reliever during this shortened season as this will be a perfect time for him to show what he's made of. It will give him a chance to show that he should be a part of the Sox future.
Drew Anderson
Anderson was vying for a spot on the roster during spring training before the pandemic hit. Now with expanded rosters, he has a great chance of making the roster. He might spot and be a long reliever if it's needed.
Ross Detwiler
Detwiler pitched for the Sox last season and was trying to make roster this year. While he struggled last season, with expanded rosters, he fits in perfectly. Detwiler would be an excellent candidate to spot start, but more importantly to be a long reliever
Caleb Frare
Frare was a top 30 prospect when he was traded to the Sox, but he has a chance to find a firm chance in the bullpen. Expanded rosters makes things a lot easier for him to make the bullpen especially with him being left handed. He did struggle last season, but expanded rosters in a shortened season should help him out a lot.
Tayron Guerrero
Jimmy Cordero had some electric stuff when he came to the Sox last season and was one of their top relievers towards the end of the season, but Guerrero might even have more electric stuff as he will hope to get into the bullpen. He throws really hard, but hasn't really harnessed it yet, so he has a chance to tap into his potential in a shortened season. After being picked up on waivers this offseason, there must be something there the Sox liked, so if anything, expanded rosters could benefit Guerrero.
Jacob Lindgren
Lindgren was a promising pitcher before injuries happened and derailing his chances at the big leagues. He had all the stuff to be a good closer, but then he needed Tommy John surgery. With expanded rosters, it gives Lindgren a great chance to make it especially as he is left handed.
Kodi Medeiros
The numbers don't necessarily look all that good, but Medeiros made the move to reliever and looks a lot better. Whether he could be a spot starter or long reliever remains to be seen, but having him around for expanded rosters would be nice. The question would be how would he be utilized.
Adalberto Mejia
Mejia was looking to break camp as possibly a long reliever or something close to that, but with the whole pandemic throwing baseball out of whack, he would have a great chance of making the team for expanded rosters. He has experience starting, so he could theoretically spot start, but he could also come valuable in long relief situations. Either way, the expanded rosters helps Mejia out a lot.
Bryan Mitchell
Mitchell is an intriguing case as he has spent a lot of time in the majors, though he doesn't have impressive numbers. Mitchell probably would benefit from being a regular bullpen arm and the expanded rosters should help with that. He could be used as a spot starter or in long relief.
Hunter Schryver
Schryver is a middle reliever and because of the expanded rosters, he has a great chance of making the team. It never hurts to have too many relievers, especially with the possibility of doubleheaders. He would undoubtedly be on the taxi squad if there is one, but after how good his numbers were in AAA, he would've had a good chance of making the team regardless.
Jonathan Stiever
Stiever is one the Sox top prospects, but while he is highly touted, it would have been hard to see him break camp with the team on Opening Day as he has never pitched above Single-A. In expanded rosters, he could have a chance at being a long reliever or spot start as there is some valuable developmental time he is going to lose anyways this season.
Matt Tomshaw
Tomshaw is a southpaw who at 31 is trying to make the majors. He has the ability to start, but he probably would be better suited as a long reliever if he makes the the team or as an "opener." Expanded rosters helps his case, but after his strong season in Charlotte last season, he's got a chance.
Nick Madrigal
Madrigal is one of the team's top prospect and was expected to make the team after a short stint in the minors this season, but with the pandemic throwing everything upside down, the decision on what to do with him becomes bigger. With him not able to develop more in the minors, it would make sense to have him on the roster and even have him be the starting second baseman. Expanded rosters just makes the decision even easier.
Andrew Romine
With expanded rosters, Romine has a better chance at making the team than he had before the pandemic. Romine is a utility player who can play in multiple positions and that will be helpful once it gets into extra innings. The big downside is he doesn't hit well, so how he will be utilized is to be determined.
Gavin Sheets
With the loss of development time, Sheets might have a good chance at making the expanded roster, but it could be hard to find playing time for him with so many players ahead of him. He would be a valuable pinch hitter though. A taxi squad though would be best suited for him so he could get regular reps.
Matt Skole
Skole will have the hardest time making the team, but he at least provides depth and a left handed bat. He could benefit from a taxi squad as well to get regular reps. However, even in a expanded roster, it would be hard to see him getting some playing time.
Jaycob Brugman
Brugman can bring some depth in the outfield and that could be useful in expanded rosters depending on the situation. A taxi squad would benefit Brugman the most to get regular reps. While he wouldn't likely get much playing time and doesn't hit well, him being used as a defensive replacement would make sense.
Cheslor Cuthbert
Cuthbert would be a great addition to the bench as he has major league experience and provides infield depth. He should get regular playing time, but with the expanded rosters, it makes it easier for him to make the squad. Should any injuries occur, he would be one of the first to get a starting role.
Nicky Delmonico
Delmonico seemed like he was going to nab the 26th man spot on the roster, but with the pandemic, it's almost inevitable to see him get regular playing time. He is a left handed bat that provides some pop and can also play in multiple positions. While he will have a hard time supplanting anyone for a starting spot, if injuries occur he'd be one of the first in line.
Daniel Palka
Palka is not the greatest player to have on the roster, but with expanded rosters, it would make sense to have him around. He did thrive as a pinch hitter in 2018 and if that was to become a regular role for him, it would be great as he provides a lot of power. He is also a left handed bat which would help a lot.
Ian Hamilton
Hamilton will have a good chance at making the team with expanded rosters, but with him recovering from injuries, it will be benefit him a lot. He was hoping to make the bullpen this year out of camp, but now he has a chance to be a regular contributor. Hamilton has great stuff that could benefit a lot in a shortened season.
Jimmy Lambert
Lambert is highly touted as he was seen as a top prospect. While it would be hard to see him crack the rotation, he could be used in any type of role out of the bullpen and could spot start. It might get hard for him to get regular innings, but he does provide some depth.
Danny Mendick
Mendick was expected to make the roster out of camp in a utility infield role, but he almost assuredly will make the team now. Mendick can play around the diamond, but is also great depth. He should get regular playing time.
Adam Engel
The expanded rosters gives Engel a great chance at getting regular playing time and a spot on the bench. The entire baseball world knows how great his defense is, but with how much his bat improved towards the end of 2019, he would be a valuable bench player. He will get into games regularly during the shortened season.
Carson Fulmer
Fulmer used to be a highly touted prospect, but his stock has fallen significantly after a lot of subpar seasons. That being said, during a shortened season, Fulmer could prove valuable as he could be used in a variety of roles out of the bullpen like middle relief, closing out a game, or even as a long reliever and he could he even spot start or be used as an "opener" if needed. Fulmer's stuff is better suited to be a reliever, who can be stretched out if needed since he is used to a starting pitcher's work load, but this role might actually prove beneficial to him becoming more successful in the majors.
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