He has consistently tormented the Boston Red Sox over the years — maybe it’s time they made him a regular.
He owns a career .319 batting average with five home runs, 10 RBIs, and a 1.001 OPS in 27 games at Fenway Park. Overall against the Red Sox, he’s tallied 14 homers, 29 RBIs, and 27 runs scored in just 46 games. Now that the Seattle Mariners have designated him for assignment, Jay Pritchard of New England Sports Network believes Boston should explore a trade, perhaps offering up a low-level prospect before He becomes a free agent.
While it wouldn’t be a blockbuster move, Tellez could be a solid answer for the Red Sox at first base in 2025.
Rowdy Tellez Has Mashed Against Boston in His Career
Almost any upgrade would help the Red Sox, as their first base situation has been a persistent problem this year. Triston Casas was lost for the season in early May, and the group of Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro, and Nick Sogard who have filled in since have been disappointing. Boston’s first basemen have a -1.3 Wins Above Average, placing them among the worst in the league.
Giving Rowdy Tellez a chance seems like a sensible move.
Tellez is 30, will be a free agent after this season, and had a tough stint with Seattle. Still, his past performance makes the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder a reasonable, low-risk option for a team aiming for the playoffs and struggling at first base.
After signing a minor league deal with the Mariners just after spring training started, Tellez made the Opening Day roster but struggled at the plate, hitting only .208/.249/.434 in limited action. With Luke Raley returning from the injured list, Seattle decided to move on from Tellez.
“It became clear Luke Raley would get more time at first base than initially expected, so the position got crowded,” Mariners insider Shannon Drayer explained on Seattle sports radio. “You don’t need two left-handed first basemen.”
Rowdy Tellez Could Find ‘A Groove’ With Fenway Park At-Bats
What one team considers expendable might be a valuable asset for another.
Rowdy Tellez hit 35 home runs for the Brewers in 2022 and holds a career .767 OPS against right-handed pitchers. Playing in a more hitter-friendly park and getting consistent playing time could help him maintain that level of production. As MLB.com highlighted when he joined Seattle, “Tellez’s bat has always been his standout feature.”
Since Tellez was designated for assignment, the Red Sox have the option to wait and see if he passes through waivers and signs with another team. However, by offering a modest price — such as a Single-A relief pitcher or some international bonus pool money — Boston could move ahead of other teams and secure him on their own terms.
According to Pritchard, “Boston wouldn’t have to give up much to acquire him. If he clears waivers, Tellez can choose free agency, allowing the Red Sox to sign him without losing a prospect. Given his career stats at Fenway Park, it’s easy to envision him thriving in a stadium that complements his hitting style.”
Additionally, it’s notable that in five playoff games, Tellez boasts an impressive 1.091 OPS, including two home runs.
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