Source: The #RedSox are signing C Riley Adams to a minor league deal. Adams has 263 games of MLB experience, mostly with the Nationals from 2021-2025. Adams spent 2026 in Triple-A.
Report: Former Blue Jay Riley Adams signs minor-league deal with Boston Red Sox
Photo credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
Oct 23, 2026, 07:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 22, 2026, 23:53 EDT
A former Toronto Blue Jay is returning to the American League East.
On Thursday, Ari Alexander from 7News Boston reported that catcher Riley Adams signed with the Boston Red Sox on a minor league deal.
Adams was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 2017 MLB draft out of the University of San Diego. Touted as one of the team’s catchers of the future, Adams instantly became the Blue Jays’ No. 16-ranked prospect following his selection.
Adams worked his way through the Blue Jays’ minor-league system before being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on June 8, 2021. He made his MLB debut later that night during a 6-1 loss against the Chicago White Sox. Adams recorded his first hit in the top of the fifth inning, when he drilled a double off then-White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodón.
The now 30-year-old played in 12 games with the Blue Jays in 2021 and went 3-for-28 with two runs scored and two walks, while also striking out 12 times. After being optioned following his brief stint, Adams was traded to the Washington Nationals on July 29, 2021, in exchange for left-hander Brad Hand.
Adams appeared in 35 games with the Nationals to finish off 2021, and batted .268 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. Adams hit his first career home run on August 8, when he belted a two-run shot off Atlanta Braves left-hander Will Smith in the top of the ninth inning to push the Nationals to a 3-2 win.
The catcher saw time with the Nationals in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 before spending the entire duration of the 2026 campaign in Triple-A with the Rochester Red Wings. In 82 games, Adams batted .273 with 16 home runs and 58 RBIs, while reaching base at a .389 clip.
A career .211 hitter with 21 home runs and 73 RBIs across 263 MLB games, Adams should provide catching depth within the Red Sox organization behind Adley Rutschman and Connor Wong.
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