The Red Sox and Pirates announced a five-player trade on Thursday evening. Starter Johan Oviedo heads to Boston alongside lefty reliever Tyler Samaniego and minor league catcher Adonys Guzman. Pittsburgh gets rookie outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and A-ball pitching prospect Jesus Travieso. Boston needed to open a spot on the 40-man roster, so they designated righty Cooper Criswell for assignment. Pittsburgh’s roster count drops to 39.
Oviedo and Garcia are the centerpieces of the deal on either side. The 27-year-old Oviedo is a 6’6″ right-hander who has been a capable back-end starter since the Pirates acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline. He’d been a swingman with the Cardinals for his first couple seasons but has stepped into a full-time rotation role for the Bucs. Oviedo took the ball 32 times and ranked second on the team with 177 2/3 innings in 2023. He posted a 4.31 earned run average with slightly worse than average strikeout and walk rates.
While Oviedo stayed healthy throughout the ’23 season, he reported elbow soreness at year’s end. That proved a precursor to Tommy John surgery that wiped out his 2024 campaign. Oviedo had a shot to return for the start of ’25 but suffered a lat strain while building up early in Spring Training. He was shut down for a few months and didn’t make his season debut until the beginning of August. He took the ball nine times down the stretch, turning in a 3.57 ERA over 40 1/3 innings.
Oviedo’s return was a mixed bag. He recorded a career-best 24.7% strikeout rate while getting whiffs at a solid 11.7% clip. The stuff looked as sharp as it’d been before his successive arm injuries. Oviedo averaged 95.5 MPH on his fastball and got good results on both an upper-80s slider and mid-70s curveball. The slider has been a plus pitch throughout his career and had a little more glove-side movement. His height also allows him to get more than seven feet of extension, so his already above-average velocity should play up.
While there are clearly things to like, Oviedo remains a work in progress. He walked three batters in seven of his nine starts, issuing free passes at an untenable 13.5% rate overall. That inefficiency kept him from working deep into games. Oviedo only once pitched into the sixth inning and didn’t complete six full frames in any appearance. It’s fair to expect some rust in his command after an 18-month absence, but throwing strikes has always been an issue. Oviedo routinely posted double-digit walk rates in the minors and issued free passes at a 10.6% rate over a full season in 2023.
The other question is whether he’ll be able to handle left-handed hitters. His changeup is a clear fourth pitch. Lefties managed a solid .244/.341/.436 line with 14 home runs in 419 plate appearances a couple years ago. Oviedo had much better results against lefties in 2025 (.151/.259/.301), but that came in a small sample with an unimpressive 19:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Oviedo has four-plus years of MLB service. He’s under arbitration control for two seasons and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $2MM salary. He still has a minor league option remaining and doesn’t need to open the season on the active roster. He’ll cross the five-year service threshold when he logs another 93 days on the big league active roster or injured list. The Sox would no longer be able to send him to the minors without his consent at that point.
They hope that won’t be a consideration. They liked Oviedo enough to give up one of their top upper minors hitting talents, gambling that they can unlock another level of consistency in the process. That suggests he’s got a good chance to slot behind Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray and Brayan Bello in Alex Cora’s rotation. The Sox should welcome Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval back from injury. Prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early debuted late in the season, while former top prospect Kyle Harrison remains in the mix.
Garcia, 23 next week, should get everyday at-bats in Pittsburgh. He didn’t have a clear path to playing time in a crowded Boston outfield but projects as the starting left fielder for the Pirates. The right-handed hitter got a cup of coffee at Fenway Park last August, picking up a hit and two walks over nine plate appearances. He otherwise divided the season between the top two levels of the minor leagues.
Known for his excellent nickname “The Password,” Garcia combined for 21 home runs with a robust .267/.340/.470 batting line across 489 plate appearances. It’s strong bottom line production for a 22-year-old, though the Sox might have had concerns about his approach. The Venezuela native struck out at a 29.1% clip while chasing more than 35% of pitches outside the strike zone over his 81 Triple-A games. The pure hit tool is a red flag, but he has topped 20 homers in consecutive minor league seasons.
Baseball America credited Garcia with above-average power and bat speed in recently ranking him the #6 prospect in the Boston system. BA writes that Garcia is a serviceable defensive center fielder despite having only average speed. He’s probably better suited in the corner opposite Bryan Reynolds but could play up the middle on days when Oneil Cruz is unavailable.
The Pirates control Garcia for at least six seasons. He still has a pair of minor league options, so they could send him back to Triple-A without issue if his approach needs further refinement. There are some parallels to last winter’s acquisition of Spencer Horwitz and the 2024 Quinn Priester/Nick Yorke deadline swap (also with the Red Sox). Pittsburgh leverages their rotation depth for a controllable upper level bat. Garcia arguably has the highest ceiling of that trio, and this surely won’t be the only lineup addition of the winter for GM Ben Cherington and his staff.
While it’s mostly an Oviedo/Garcia framework, the teams also swapped a few prospects. Samaniego, who turns 27 in January, might factor into the Boston bullpen next season. The former 15th-round pick tossed 26 1/3 innings of 3.08 ERA ball at the Double-A level this year. He fanned 28% of opponents with a sub-6% walk rate. Pittsburgh selected him onto the 40-man roster last month to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft. He still has a full slate of options and is probably ticketed for Triple-A Worcester.
Guzman, who turned 22 today, was Pittsburgh’s fifth-round pick out of the University of Arizona over the summer. The right-handed hitting catcher has only played one game in Low-A. Baseball America credited him with plus arm strength and some power to left field in their draft report. He’s a long-term development play behind the dish.
The Pirates round out their side of the deal with Travieso. He’s an 18-year-old righty who signed with Boston as an amateur out of Venezuela in 2024. He’s listed at 5’11” and has yet to garner much prospect attention, but he struck out nearly 32% of opponents over seven games in Low-A late in the season.
Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported that the Red Sox and Pirates agreed to a five-player deal involving Oviedo and Garcia. Robert Murray of FanSided reported the full trade. Respective images courtesy of Charles Leclaire and Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images.
Oviedo can’t be the headliner of a trade including Garcia, can he?
Nevermind… apparently he can be
“Proven middle of the rotation MLB starter” is a massive stretch. Mostly unproven number 5 or 6 starter would be more like it.
JonCor… exactly. The Sox already have 6-7 guys that fit this mold. Including one they just traded (Fitts).
I understand Garcia probably didn’t have much of an opportunity in Boston’s OF, but I was hoping he’d be a nice side piece in a bigger trade.
So they needed to replace one then?
There’s a difference being #3 for the Pirates vs #3 for the Red Sox. He is def behind Crochet, Gray, Bello, and Sandoval. That’s not including Crawford and probably Early and Tolle as well. Someone else already mentioned they traded Fitts already. So what is the point of this trade?
@websoulsurfer
You are as wrong as you are confident. As a starter he has a 4.39 ERA and 4.70 FIP stretched over 6 years (parts of 5 seasons). Over that time the average ERA/FIP per Fangraphs was 4.18. So not even close.
The part which may be interesting is how his performance seems to have played up in relief.
How so? The Pirates have the better pitching staff. He’d be a 4-5 here after Skenes, Keller, Chandler and any number of young arms
@Jon Depends on where you look but really Oviedo ceiling is a 2/3 but more likely a 4/5. The bigger question is if he’ll be healthy and how much the injuries stunted any progression if at all.
“a better than league average ERA and FIP. Average = #3.”
Not if you’re trying to contend it’s not. Try winning anything if your #3 has a league-average ERA and FIP, especially when that would mean that your #4 and #5 are worse.
bouyons141: The point is quality depth because injuries happen to pitchers.
We just want to know if this guys better than Lastings Milledge or not
Six sevennnnnn
@WashedUpOldTimer
Pirates 2025:
3.76 ERA
4.07 xERA
3.83 FIP
4.14 xFIP
Red Sox 2025:
3.72 ERA
4.12 xERA
3.98 FIP
4.06 xFIP
It was pretty much a dead heat in terms of pitching staff last year. This year the Red Sox upgraded from Giolito to Gray (and have Sandoval and Crawford returning from full-season injuries) while the Pirates hope to get more from Bubba Chandler. Still seems pretty even. (Boston’s young SP depth is also crazy deep)
I’m not sure how the Red Sox view Oviedo, but he looks like the #6 guy atm in terms of past performance. I wouldn’t be surprised if he started the season in AAA, but I could also see him being converted to a high-leverage reliever – his stuff has really played up there in the past.
I’m guessing Boston is looking at Oviedo as their current #4 or 5 SP. There’s no way to know what you can expect from Crawford or Sandoval after their injuries, but they will probably be limited in the number of innings they pitch. Oviedo is more proven than Early and Tolle. If two of those four guys outperform Oviedo, he can be used in a swing role or sent to AAA as depth. In the long term, the key to this trade for Boston could end up being Adonys Guzman. This seems like a reasonable trade for both teams.
67 starts over seven seasons does not make a mid rotation starter, logic would dictate you start more than 10 games a year to be considered a mid rotation starter.
Oviedo only pitched in 5 different seasons, including the covid shortened one – 2020, 21, 22, 23, and 25.
In those 5 seasons, his FIP was 5.30, 5.27, 3.74, 4.49, and 4.92, for an average of 4.61…
Last I checked, league average FIP isn’t 4.61 or above.
Last season he made 9 starts throwing only 40.1 innings.
His innings totals were an unimpressive 24.2, 62.1, 56.0, 177.2, and 40.1
His single 177.2 inning season saw a 4.31 era, 4.49 FIP.
He also averages a 1.377 WHIP across his whole body of work.
I think its fair to categorize him as unproven, and perhaps generous as it implies theres more there to unlock.
This is a headscratcher of a move, unless theres something bigger brewing that made the sox need 40 man space and another #4/5 SP.
lol
@bouyons141
Best 3 guesses:
1. There’s an injury(injuries) that haven’t been shared; maybe Red Sox think Sandoval is not coming back.
2. They like him as a high leverage reliever (he’s been good in the bullpen in the past)
3. His sinker is underutilized. It’s a newer pitch for him, and he hasn’t thrown it much, but it’s been quite good when thrown. If he replaces his fastball almost entirely with the sinker, perhaps he becomes something much better than he’s been.
gomer33: “…logic would dictate…”
Maybe your logic. But that criteria depends upon the pitcher’s age and experience.
Web: Too many walks and not enough Ks. I, too, was expecting more in a trade involving Garcia. Oviedo is not going to get better. We can’t say that about a 22-year old, pure power hitter.
I don’t understand removing Criswell from the 40 for Sarmirnego.
He doesn’t have better than league avg ERA or FIP and I also don’t think 67 starts over 7 seasons is the flex you think it is. He had one solid season. Other than that, he has all the makings of a journeyman. I don’t know if he’s your cousin or something – and maybe he’s better than he’s been – but he’s not been good. You can’t convince me he has been, not even with more fictitious assertions.
Correction. I realize he has options. Anyone else notice how ex-Sox management is comfortable dealing with Breslow (Cherinton and Bloom).
Yes, @GASoxFan gets it. Oviedo isn’t a guy!
I don’t either.
swanhenge: Don’t overstate Garcia’s value. He’s very much a hit-or-miss guy with a 26.8% strikeout rate AGAINST MINOR LEAGUE PITCHING that has to be a huge red flag.
He is nowhere close to being a blue-chip prospect knocking on the door.
Alfred E Neuman
I thought Cherington was going to bring in MLB ready bats. He may be ready or maybe not , just a gamble that Cherington is not good at.
Great analysis….
This is such a dumb comment lol. Yes the Pirates suck, but they have just as good of a rotation as the Red Sox, and Oviedo was never their #3 starter. I understand no one outside of Pirates fans watch their games, but this comment is beyond ignorant and uninformed.
JonCor: What do you expect in a trade for a relatively marginal prospect who might not ever wear a MLB uniform?
Alfred, are you calling the prospect MLB just ranked number 85 overall in the minor leagues as relatively marginal?
No prospect is guaranteed and higher ranked guys bust all the time, but he’s far from a lottery ticket level
*whispers* “the password is: Pittsburgh outfielder”
This dated referencewas sponsored by the Dick Clark estate.
@websoulsurfer So he starts on avg 10 times a year and that makes him a number 3? Try again with some logic involved.
GASoxFan: Well, we certainly can’t expect objectivity about the Red Sox from someone with a handle like yours.
His 26.8% strikeout rate AGAINST MINOR LEAGUE PITCHING is a huge red flag, and prospect rankings guarantee nothing.
Research shows that only about 11-13% become MLB players and just 1% become stars, so the odds are against him making it.
Remember Brennen Davis, Yusniel Diaz, Corey Ray, Elijah Green, Kevin Maitan, Keston Hiura, Blake Swihart, Lewis Brinson, Christian Pache, Nick Senzel, and Bubba Starling?
They were just a few hitters who were top 100 prospects and became marginal MLB players or didn’t even make it to MLB.
So yes, he’s a marginal prospect until he proves otherwise.
The raised the floor of the rotation. Again. For somebody without a role.
May not have 100% faith in the FO yet, I do believe they wouldn’t trade for a pitcher they didn’t think they could help, as with Gio last year. There are jobs both in the rotation, at the back of the ‘pen, and as a swingman. They’re building crazy depth of optionable pitching,
No waiting 20 starts to see if Buehler can straighten out. It’s perform or Worcester for 5-6 guys.
Tolle should be a Reliever… he doesn’t have a good mix of secondary pitches to be a Starter at this point.
I don’t know if you’re talking about Oviedo here but his only bullpen appearances came when he first arrived and then to slowly work him in after TJ surgery. As far as I remember, he was always a starter here but yeah, I could see him going to the pen
He came a long way before the injury. He was starting to find himself. His issue initially was control. The kid threw hard but would have one walk turn into more and then overcompensate by going dead red. He had really corrected that
Don’t know why he would replace his fastball “entirely” with a pitch he hasn’t mastered yet, but ok. Heat was his thing and he was finding success by mixing in some spin
Oviedo proved he belongs in the conversation as a a middle of the rotation starter when he threw 177 innings with a 4.30 ERA in 2023. In 2023, average for starting pitchers was a 4.45 ERA. Oviedo had TJ surgery which caused him to miss all of 2024 and most of 2025. When he stepped on the mound in 2025 he showed that he was still a very good starting pitcher with his 3.57 ERA in 9 starts. This trade was a shrewd move by the Red Sox trading a prospect that would never break through the surplus of OFers the team had for one of the most valued commodities in MLB, starting pitching.
Bouy, you may want to rethink that line of reasoning. If a starting pitcher is better than the league average then they are the actual definition of a #3 starter or better.
Over their careers there is not much difference between Bello’s stats and Oviedo’s.
Sandoval did not throw a pitch in 2025, had a 5.08 ERA in 2024 and a 4.11 ERA in 2023, and may not start the season on the active roster for the Red Sox. Counting on him at all to start the season is not logical and he certainly would not be higher on the depth chart than Oviedo or Bello.
Every team used more than 5 starters in 2025. Why would you think the Red Sox wouldn’t?
The Red Sox made this trade because they don’t believe that the last 4 you mentioned will contribute much in the rotation in 2026 and wanted proven commodities in the first 4 slots. Have a listen to Breslow’s press conference when he announces the trade.
Logics?
We don’t need no stinking logics…..
He is right about this one. Its the definition of that slot in the rotation. Its also probably where Oviedo will slot in for the Red Sox behind Crochet and Gray and ahead of Bello. To start the 2025 season the Blue Jays starter that was slotted in the #3 was Jose Berrios. On opening day the Brewers starter that was slotted in the #3 was Aaron Civale. When Civale was traded in mid-June, the pitcher that took his place in the rotation was Jacob Misiorowski. Look at those player’s ERAs. Those two teams won the most games in their respective leagues.
Average FIP in the seasons Oviedo pitched was 4.35.
His was 4.61
Average ERA was 4.39
His was 4.24
Average ERA+ was obviously 100
His was 101
In 2023 the average ERA for starting pitchers was 4.45 and the average FIP was 4.42. Oviedo’s was 4.31 and 4.49. His ERA+ was 104.
Oviedo has been the textbook definition of an average pitcher and an average starter.
There is no doubt why the move was made. Nixon could not crack that Red Sox OF lineup with a nuclear weapon and Oviedo will be either the Red Sox #3 or #4 starter on opening day.
No reason to scratch your head unless you have lice.
@BakPak
You’re including his relief outings in your numbers. I provided his numbers when starting vs league average over the 6 year span in an above post.
He was MUCH better while used as a reliever.
Side note: nobody named ‘Nixon’ was included in this trade. (Assuming you mean Garcia)
@Washed
He never pitched in relief for the Pirates. His relief performances were with the Cardinals just prior to the trade.
So far in his career his fastball and change have both been hit pretty hard. This may be mostly a result of poor control as I’m sure he had to throw many fastballs down the middle due to hitter’s counts. But the sinker which he began throwing in 2023 has performed extremely well. As-is he gives up quite a few fly balls and using his sinker more could reduce this. The Red Sox are known for asking pitchers to adjust their pitch mixes after acquisition, so I’m pondering that the under use of the sinker is part of the upside they see in him.
@bouyons You really didn’t think about this comment til u got to the point where u skipped naming Pirates top 2, huh?
Being #3 for Pirates one of the 2 pitchers ahead of him was one of top 2 arms in MLB(Skenes). But you nust ignored Skenes and said it as tho anyone could be a top of rotation arm for PIT…..
@joew Dependable 2-4 SPs are almost always far more valuable than average size RH OFs. If Oviedo stays healthy this is likely an easy W of a trade fir BOS. Mind u he came back in AUG and finished the final 2 months starting 8 games without incident.
@gomer Logic says to look at his work load post injury in 2025. He started 8 games in the final 2 months of season alone. I put a bit more sock in those #s than 5 years ago when he was 22.
@GASox He was injured most of 2025 returning for Aug and Sept and starting 8 times. Id say that information is absolutely relevant. U just post his full season stats as if there was nothing of note to mention and they could be compared equally to #s of any SP.
This is nonsense.
“League average” includes part time starters, and guys who lose their spot in the rotation
Teams will have 8+ guys start a game for them each season.
League average is closer to a #5 starter. And not for a team with world series aspirations
His #s matched Biebers for 2025 and m put him at least at a 4 in every playoff teams rotation other than the Dodgers.
Nonsense is all the people ignoring key facts such as him being injured, value of SPs, etc… I see a ton of cherrypicking information here to try and support a narrative.
The reality is pitching often wins championships and in 162 games in current MLB depth is tested more often than not. BOS also has a loaded OF and this looks to be an excellent move for them.
So they traded Garcia for rotation depth.? SPs are expensive.
I didn’t give an opinion on Johan other than saying “league average=#3” is nonsense
Think you nailed it, WC.
Nothing like going all the way back to a rookie season rather than acknowledging improvement over the past 3 years lol
If you look at his baseball savant page it’s all red except walks. Dude has sick stuff, and the year before he had Tommy John he looked very much like a three all year and pitched well when he came back. If this guy ends up as your 5th starter bc Bres gets a guy like Ragans you prob have the best staff in baseball.
Goku the Knowledgable One: No we don’t. How is Lastings Milledge relevant here?
He’s just reminiscing about a Pirates great, Alfred, and getting a lot of mileage out the name here
WC-I appreciate your comments. They pretty much veer into different lanes that I often don’t consider-like an under-utilized sinker.
On some of Breslow’s trades, I think he feels that the RS can unlock something other teams have missed.
IRT the BP, in a small 25 IP sample, he has a 25/6 K/W.
Pirate Paul Skenes says hi
TJ in 24. hes a #5 he was # for the pirates so logically how would he be #3 for the red sox?
“Proven middle of the rotation MLB starter?” Oviedo has pitched more than 63 MLB innings just once in parts of five seasons. I like this trade for the Red Sox, but let’s not get carried away with Oviedo just yet!
That would be the once then eh
Oviedo is a weak 4 strong 5. Things that can be improved but for now. He can also relieve if need be.
I dont understand the Garcia love, seems to me his likely role is weak side platoon CF/4th OF, not gonna get anything too exciting for that. Keep seeing Red Sox having him as the headliner for Joe Ryan/Freddy Peralta, that was never an option.
Might be selling high on the Password. Will he strikeout too much to be successful in MLB?
That has to be the thinking, or else I’m baffled they weren’t keeping him in their back pocket to use toward a bigger deal
The other possibility is the reports of Henry closing the wallet tighter than fort knox have a little more substance than mere CBA posturing.
Allin – Totally agree! Password will probably have too high of a K rate and low OBP to hold a starting OF position in the MLB.
Might be selling high on the Password. Will he strikeout too much
=============================
He’s young, but his K/W in AAA was kind of dismal.
How is this selling high on Password?
I don’t see the value in adding another #5/#6 starter who is far from proven. Why not use him in a package for someone who actually fills a need?
I know some have mentioned moving him to the bullpen, but again he is unproven and I really question whether he is better than Criswell who they just let go for nothing.
I just don’t get how this improves the team.
I am in the baffled group. I don’t see this as an improvement unless the prospects we got back were better than Password. I still thing he would have been a decent piece in a more meaningful trade.
If that is the case, they need to stop hyping up that they are going to make big moves. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that we still get a power bat for the middle of the lineup.
Password strikes out at a high rate. They may think he is another Dalbec and are selling high right now. I am guessing that is their thinking. We have to wait and see how it turns out.
Allin – Agreed. A podcast I heard stated that most of Password’s HRs were on pitches below 93 mph, and that he does not hit higher velocity very well. This is exactly why Grissom did not get recalled last year as the number of pitchers throwing over 95 mph only continues to rise at the MLB level. Players who can not hit velocity at 95+ are going to find it hard to successful at the MLB level.
The Red Sox have now traded Password, not promoted Grissom in 2025, and traded Devers as he was finding it harder to hit velocity early in 2025, in addition to his contract. This is a theme that the FO has identified in their scouting and analytics.
4WS: Wow. Very interesting. Thanks.
@Russell Branyan
Some scouts have him as low as a 45 (matches your description) but others have him as high as a 55 (above average regular) – like MLB Pipeline.
Agree that he was never going to headline a Joe Ryan package (Peralta is a different convsersation entirely) but many of us saw him as a 2nd or 3rd piece for a much larger deal.
WCSoxFan: By “many of us,” you mean biased Red Sox fans (your handle is a dead giveaway) who, like most fans, overrate and overestimate the value of their team’s farm system talent.
But the actual value of a player at any given moment can be measured by the return in a trade.
It’s likely that Garcia doesn’t have the value you hoped he does.
@Alfred
Yes. It’s not a secret. Most of us have the team we support in our handle or picture intentionally so that others, like yourself, can see it.
There’s nothing that has occurred that indicates Garcia couldn’t have been the 2nd or 3rd piece in a trade for a better player (like Ryan). He’s certainly a better prospect at this time than the 3rd piece in the Crochet trade was when that was made. There’s no biased overvaluation of him, but there are public scouting reports that consistently ranked him as a top-100 (in the game) prospect this past season.
The trade doesn’t make the player worth more or less, it only shows that the groups on each side were equal to one another by the perception of the two trading teams.
I’m not sure what’s going on with you, but you seem very angry and confused. It’s just a baseball trade and everyone here enjoys chatting about it. Hope you do better with whatever is bothering you.
WCSoxFan: Excuse me? Something is bothering me? That’s certainly news to me.
You are correct. Everyone enjoys chatting about it. I’m having a perfectly fine time, thanks.
I’m sorry you can’t seem to stick to discussing information and facts instead of veering off into personal comments.
@Alfred
You’re excused.
Let’s both then stick to talking about the players and veer away from personal comments or attacks then, yes? No need for mudslinging if we’re all having a good time.
Exactly my point.
Alfred – You seem to have discovered the reason why I muted that person. LOL
You are spot on about the overrating of Sox prospects, although it’s not uncommon among other fanbases as well.
Good trade for the Red Sox. Oviedo was sharp at the end of last season. He looked like a legitimate 3 to me and Boston landed a good bullpen prospect that could contribute late this season. Plus a lotto at the C position. I don’t see how Red Sox fans can be dissappointed.
Interesting player heading to Pittsburgh in Travieso, bigtime strikeout stuff. Pittsburgh may have won the trade with the guy nobody is talking about.
Alfred E Neuman
WCSoxFan: By “many of us,” you mean biased Red Sox fans
=========================
I have a secret to share with you, but don’t tell anyone else.
There are professional agencies out there that do nothing but rate prospects. You probably never heard of them, but a company called Baseball America is one of them.
That’s where “many of us,” get our numbers from.
JoeBrady: I was one of Baseball America’s earliest subscribers in the 1980s when it was still published in print, and I have read it ever since.
Where do you get off being so amazingly (and annoyingly) condescending?
Have you heard of Fangraphs? They also rank prospects.
But the fact is that only 11-13% of ranked prospects make it to MLB and maybe 1% become stars, so fans consistently overrate those of their favorite teams.
We’re seeing that in spades from Red Sox fans on this and other recent threads.
Everyone overrates prospects but I’m not sure that’s really the heart of the issue here? I think we all get that they’re nothing more than lottery tickets unless and until they establish themselves. I haven’t seen anyone calling this kid the next coming of Manny Ramirez or anything, just expressing surprise that a guy who is widely considered one of the better lottery tickets in the sport couldn’t have been – not a headliner, but at least an asset used in a bigger trade since Oviedo is still a little bit of a wild card himself. Is that really so crazy to believe? I don’t think so. I think people are more frustrated that it wasn’t a trade for a bigger name.
DirtyWater04: Oviedo established himself as a bona fide MLB starter in 2023. He’s definitely graduated from wild card status.
Alfred- I think it is all the hype about these big moves that are going to happen so when they make a trade like this which does not appear to fill the most significant needs it is frustrating. Garcia could end up being a complete flop but he was considered a decent prospect so you assume he will be used to bring back a player that really fits a need.
The fascination management has with these players coming back from injuries or off of bad years becomes a bit irritating with the lack of success they have had with the majority of them.
Unfortunately after showing his potential he got injured and what he is going to bring to the team after the injury is a big question mark. We got a very small sample size last year after he returned. He is certainly not the ace we were supposed to be looking for. He likely fits into the bottom of the rotation and we already have around 10 pitchers competing for those spots.
Established himself as a bona fide starter? Aged 28, with 49 starts over parts of five season and coming off arm surgery? Hardly.
I can see upside, and he’s a better pitcher on the roster right now than Criswell, but let’s not start falling all over ourselves.
Uncle – thank you!!! I’m tired of the reclamation projects.
We fancy ourselves poised to make a deep run into the playoffs, with a top 3 in mlb Ace SP, its time to stop pretending that we have some kind of magic crystal ball and contine adding proven talent
Sad.Sox 3: He pitched 177.2 innings with a 1.372 WHIP across 32 starts in 2023.
I don’t know what your standards are, but those are highly respectable full-time established starting pitcher numbers and volume by MLB standards.
Looks to me like the Red Sox did well to get him for a prospect with a limited ceiling like Garcia.
Those numbers are from two years ago. We don’t know what he is going to do after coming back from the injury.
Not every pitcher returns to the same form when they come back.
I should try to stay positive about it, I was just hoping for them to make moves to get a couple of true difference makers.
Oviedo lead the NL in shutouts just two years ago. Great pick up by Boston.
And Jhostynxon was tied for 5th in BB% just last year!
Love it
Garcia is likely overrated. He may hit or he may flop.
Pretty much like every prospect in baseball, eh Tang?
Most prospects have no chance. He has a chance to be very good. Or he could be another guy that strikes out too much and never figures it out. That’s my point.
I don’t understand this trade at all. Are they trying to set the world record for the team with the most #5/#6 pitchers. How is this an improvement over Criswell who they just gave away? Now they give up a solid prospect (yes he may be overhyped but that doesn’t mean he is not a valuable prospect) and in return they get someone unproven with an injury history.
I hope the prospects they got back work out, if not this seems very questionable. What happened to the second ace?
It’s a good time to be a seller
How do you pronounce the prospects name?
Is that password or the other one
Space Jhost.
Frost-Nixon
I am going with Josty-Nixon. Sounds almost presidential.
Is there even anyone that’s last name is josty
Nowadays Nixon and whoever josty is doesn’t sound too bad
joos-tin-son
It’s a soft ‘j’ but not a ‘y’
Lastings Milledgde
Joe-stin-son
JOES-tin-son
See Baseball Reference Guide, more bio
They actually have a “Baseball Player Name Pronunciation Guide”.
You should use it.
Lol
The password has been changed.
I hate when that happens.
This is my favorite nickname since Scrabble.
I guess that he has a new Password Manager…
I’m both sad and happy that someone got here with this zinger before me.
@paleo – Thanks for the facial recognition…
Hahaha
Exactly what I felt the pirates should do. Trade Ovideo for a young controllable outfielder who bats right and can play center when Cruz shouldn’t be in against lefties
I’m not sure that guy can play CF.
I know nothing about the guy. but, if he can play a short side platoon against lefties, show better than the Pirates have shown against righties, then he is an improvement in the outfield
Over what the Pirates have had. Improvement over what they have had is what the Pirates need to do. They traded Oviedo ( who I think will be good pitcher). They did not trade their future.
If Cheerington can pull some more moves like this, the Pirates will be better.
Whether he can or will remains to be seen.
Crs – theres a limit to the number of POBO/GM types that are inexperienced at trading who are also stuck with owners refusing to give cash to work with.
Im not sure Cherington will have that many opportunities
This brings up a good point, though off-topic. How many good POBO/GM’s are willing to work for a bad owner. I would think if you had your wits about you, you wouldn’t waste your time working for a guy who will continually hamstring you. But then again, there are only so many of these sorts of jobs available.
He’s good defensively and most likely can play center field. He will likely strike out a ton too
Jhostynxon can cover center, he’s not going to be a revelation out there, but he won’t look out of place.
He’s best in RF. Great arm
Would like to see Grissom come back as well
Sox need to trade Grissom
for a bag of peanuts?
Maybe a used jock strap
Probably for a ham sandwich, but a really good one that’s half toasted
No value at all right now
They already gave you Grissom you know him better as Yorke. Don’t need another one. Gonzales better odds and TJ much better odds.
Is this really the addition? Or is this just another deal in the works and guys are shifting aroung?
Fanatic – you could be on to something, turning an excess OF into a controllable end of rotation starter and pairing those two together instead of two OF’s and may e that brings back an upgraded arm
The Diamondbacks didn’t have a fit for Duran or an outfielder, but they were in need of pitching. Seems to be swapping assets.
Oviedo can relieve so they can still get another starter and have Oviedo in rotation when needed. Nice to have someone so you aren’t desperate to do anything stupid. Worst case they have Oviedo.
Over pay by Sox but also understand the password likely had no realist shot on major league club given the glut of OF with Sox
Yeah they definitely needed to trade password since they have outfield in control but they need consistent pitching, not oveido with multiple red flags
I understand oveido has a high ceiling but I have a feeling he is going to crumble in the spotlight in Boston
Not much of one or one. Oviedo is a rare item and rarity cost.
Still hearing Alonso rumors.
In your head perhaps.
If the Red Sox have the money in their budget, I like a 5 year deal for Alonso with Mayer moving to 3B and Casas being traded better than a 6 year deal for Bregman and Casas at 1B.
Who backs up Mayer when he goes down to injury?
Wow. I can’t believe the Sox traded Garcia for such a mediocre SP. I was hoping they’d include him in a package for a true top of the rotation type.
Thats what I thought as well.
What true top of the rotation type do you think he was bringing back?
He doesn’t bring back much more than what we got by himself. The idea was that he would be part of a bigger trade. Player, him, another prospect/s for a true #2.
That was the hope. The goal should have always been to add enough talent to the rotation this off season to move Bello to #4 and move a couple of those excess arms into the pen to bolster it at the same time. Two birds with one stone.
william – Exactly! Coulda packaged Password with one or two other players for someone like Peralta.
But Freddy hasn’t had surgery recently so Breslow isn’t interested.
That would be potentially true , if you knew,for a fact that the other team would be willing to accept a trade. One, of the reasons that 7000 rumours turn into 5 real deals. Yes Peralta and Ryan are better but you need the 2 parties to play ball. The interesting fact is they’ve sorted the pitching side without really touching payroll. Which in turn allows greater freedom for the 3B/1B situation. And as said elsewhere Garcia was on the outside looking in due to the OF situation . And still in Early December and most of our competition in the East have done far less, meaning the team is ahead of them overall in depth and win chances .
My guess is that your take on this deal is very close to how they thought about it. It only makes sense to me as a solution to a problem in the context of a move being made to set up a greater move.
My take is that the team, for years, has had some glaring problems. Those problems should be/have to be addressed as part of a serious attempt towards reaching the playoffs and advancing in it.
We have not had a true 1B,2 pitcher in a long while to slot ahead of our vast collection of 3 through 5,6, and 7’s.
The solution to that is a 1B,2 type pitcher, and possibly landing another pitcher that can be seen as an upgrade to Bello. The result is moving our 2 and 3 down to 4 and 5. The remainder slide into the bullpen (improving it for free), into depth roles, and the bottom rung pitchers off the staff.
Example. We have not had a legitimate starting second baseman outside of Trevor Story’s’ first year since Pedroia’s injury. You would think they could iron that out in a decade. That would be a solution.
The asking prices for those premier guys is through the roof. You don’t want to give up everything to add a starter when you’ll be ready in two years with your in-house young starting pitching.
Not sure where the idea that Jhostynxon is a poor defender came from. So far, in only 25 innings, he’s neutral in OAA and generally considered average-to-better by scouts. Here are his writeups from SP.com and MLB.com:
Capable of playing any outfield position, but profiles slightly better in a corner than in center. Slightly above-average instincts and range in center field. Makes up for lack of speed with athleticism and solid instincts. Routes can get a little inefficient at times. In a corner, lack of true foot speed is not noticeable. Potential above-average defender in the corner outfield and average in center.
soxprospects.com/players/garcia-jhostynxon.htm
He spent most of last season in center field, where he’s an average defender with good instincts. He’s at least a solid defender on the corners and has the plus arm strength for right field.
mlb.com/milb/prospects/redsox/jhostynxon-garcia-69…
Nixon profiles as having a 50 ceiling on defense in the corners. That is average. A 45 in CF. He would not embarrass your team in CF if he has to play there occasionally, but he would be best used in RF where his plus arm could come into play.
Oviedo only pitched 40.1 innings in those 9 starts, meaning just over 4 innings, or once through a lineup plus a couple batters, each time… Don’t read too much into it.
He was returning from TJS. Typical to monitor innings in that scenario.
Being real, the Sox are in an excellent position all the way around, and still have excellent trade chips that can net pretty much whoever they want. They could easily still package something like Duran, Casas, Campbell, and Crawford for almost anyone in the league.
Does this mean Duran will be traded for a bat? Most likely Ketel Marte if anybody?
I think it means they trade Duran plus Bello for a Frontline sp.
The only trade for those two that I would support is Tarik Skubal or Hunter Greene. Or Paul Skenes of course, but thats unrealistic right now.
This would never get you the best left handed pitcher in skubal. I understand the 1 yr of control however the Sox would have to come off way more!
FenwayFanatic: Sorry, but nobody expects objectivity about the Red Sox from a guy with your handle.
I was saying who I would support. Not likely scenarios
FenwayFanatic: Of course you would support trades that are so ridiculously lopsided in favor of the Red Sox that they won’t happen.
That’s what prompted my initial comment.
Hahaha. That’s pretty funny. Thanks Fenway. I needed the laugh
Yeah, this feels like a Bello replacement sadly
The more research I do seems to me like this is a Bello for Marte motion. Obviously thats not the full deal, but the Diamondbacks certainly don’t need outfielders are not in the best position after Corbin Burnes and Eddie Rodriguez miss time
Bello is not going anywhere unless he’s part of a package for T. Skubal. Then Skubal leaves after one year.
Marte is ticketed for Seattle, says my Magic Talking 8-Ball.
Over the past 2 seasons there are 2 or 3 OFers that have been better than Duran depending on your preference of bWAR or fWAR. Those 3 are Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Corbin Carroll. Duran is playing in rarefied air. Why does it seem like the entire Sox Nation wants to trade him?
Roman Anthony is why. The OF is stacked, and someone likely needs to go. Duran is the most likely candidate.
Bak – There’s several reasons, none of which are valid.
1) His homophobic slur
2) His politics
3) His age (“old” compared to the other OF’ers)
4) Lack of power
5) Speed is not valued and they expect it to decrease
Yep, it’s sad.
These are all really weak reasons to trade Duran at this point in time for anything less than gold.
Mookie Betts trade 2.0 if they do something stupid like that.
Now with Garcia gone, we would be 1 injury away from having to field Yoshida.
Why trade Duran or anyone tbh ? They’ve sorted the Pitching side and only need (in reality) to replace Bregman and/or fill 1B. If they pick up Alone they can plug Mayer in at 3B and vice Versa if the sign Mura/Bregman put Casas at 1B.
Personally I would take Mura as he is cheaper, younger and potential upside.
Of all the SPs they could’ve gotten from PIT…?
This one was the cheapest to aquire
Seems like this make it more likely that Duran will stay.
Sonny Gray and this guy. No Skubal or Skenes. I’m not worried about Boston next year. They need to do better? Are they getting Alonso, Schwarber and bringing back Bregman. Then I’ll be more concerned.
The Sox are saving their money for offensive upgrades. Their rotation is set now with Crochet, Bello, Gray, Oviedo and Sandoval/Crawford, not to mention all of their young, high end pitching prospects (Early, Tolle, Sandlin, Perales, Uberstein, Drohan) and their top 3 picks in last year’s draft. While it would have been better to see a deal made for Ryan, Gore, Peralta, etc..that would have cost them much more in prospects and money too. With John Henry crying poor, the more they spent on a true #2, the less they could spend on their offense. I’d like to see them re-sign Bregman and somehow get Ketel Marte from Arizona. If they do that, then this will be a great offseason by Breslow.
Why do all Sox fans think the D’Backs are giving up Marte. Yeah there’s been some silly suggestions about a clutch of middle ish guys for him that no one takes seriously, but it’s gonna take a lot.
Marte has averaged 5 WAR over the past 3 years and is signed for 5 more years plus an option (at 11.5) at under $15 mil per. He’s worth more than anyone on the Sox roster except Crochet (who costs much more) and Anthony.
He’s 32 now so that value may trail off eventually but come on!
I can see Donovan from the Cards going to the RedSox for some strange reason…?
Oviedo will not beat out Early for a spot in Boston’s rotation.
I think people are sleeping on Early and that’s great – keeps away all the unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations. Let him develop..
@Nyyfanin
I can’t disagree with anything that you said. But it’s worth noting that Duran, who’s most often cited as being traded for Marte has averaged 4.4 fWAR over that same time span, is 3 years younger, is much cheaper and is under team control for 3 more seasons. So it’s not like these two are miles apart.
In terms of why we think the a Diamondbacks are giving him up:
1. His team needs SPs and an outfielder and the Red Sox have that to offer
2. His PBO was asked about trading him and his response was not particularly dismissive.
3. He had an issue with his teammates last season which may or may not be fully resolved
4. His 10-5 no-trade rights kick-in this year
5. His team traded off most of their aging veterans at last year’s trade deadline
6. the Dbacks have Lawlar and Alexander ready to step in at 2nd and 3rd
7. And most importantly: we really really really want him
WC-100% agreed. If I’m the Sox, I’m offering Duran, Crawford, and a near mlb ready pitcher (Drohan?) for Marte..
It would not be hard to see the Diamondbacks accept a deal around Early and/or Duran, despite their outfield depth. But I think it would be a mistake, honestly. Paying that kind of premium for a guy destined to see various tools decline in his mid-30s seems like a very win now mentality for a team that has a large window to work with.
Go ugly Early!
Their rotation will be fine. Early and Tolle will eventually be in it. Crochet is great, Gray is an excellent #2, and Bello a decent middle of the rotation arm.
Tolle really needs to work on his other offerings (other than the fastball) if he wants to be a viable starter at the highest level.
Otherwise he’s likely to be relegated to the bullpen. He’s still young and has plenty of time to do it.
Guess Freddy was to expensive for y’all 😂
He wasn’t free. So of course he was too expensive for them.
Brewers clearly don’t wanna get duped again like with Corbin
They’ve still got the chips to easily get Freddy if they want to.
Duran, Crawford, Cases, Campbell, and any of their almost mlb ready starters could all be dealt.
But do they want too
Pretty big assumption that the Brewers like those players…
Yeah that too
While this does make Boston’s rotation better, I was hoping they were going to aim higher like a Cole Ragan trade with KC centered around Jaren Duran, Garcia and a pitcher. Oh well, at least they continue to improve their rotation.
There’s still time and a couple pieces we can sell off. They may swing Duran to the Royals
Duran and Oviedo for Cole, or better yet—Duran, Oviedo, and Tolle for Cole and Vinny P at first
I don’t think this indicates they are finished dont forget we were pitching unproven rookies in the playoffs actual depth is needed unless we are assuming early and tolle will just be great and Sandoval isn’t a train wreck
Poolhalljunkies, don’t be afraid to use some punctuation here and there.
Lol I’m just glad I didn’t misspell anything.
Early and Tolle will be good. I wouldn’t expect much from Sandoval though.
Dorothy – i don’t think they could package two OFs in a trade up for a better SP.
But, Duran and Oviedo could certainly fetch a Ragans.
Lord, I hope so. Sox have 8 starters better than Oviedo, and the just-DFAed Criswell would even have been just as useful.
You’re kidding, right? Royals would hang up the phone.
Throw in Tolle with that and get Cole and Vinny P
It really wouldn’t make sense to do this now if that were the plan. They would work out both trades simultaneously.
But possible Oviedo replaces whomever is traded in a deal like that.
Red Sox got fleeced. Oviedo has issues with throwing strikes and staying healthy
Yeah, guess time will tell.
Before his TJ surgery, the kid was coming on. Had largely mastered his control and looked pretty sharp over extended starts.
Then the surgery
I don’t know anything about the Red Sox pitching coach but I think there’s high upside with the guy
As for the Pirates, despite all of the BS a couple weeks ago about spending more, these are the kinds of additions we can expect Cherington to make.
Andrew Bailey is known to be a good pitching coach.
WashedUpOldTimer
Nutting approved this deal, especially fond of reducing payroll. A million bucks plus puts a smile on his face.
I was afraid Oviedo was getting too expensive since his salary was above league minimum.
You are 100% right. BC is still waiting on the come.
Very good P coach
Absolutely. Would rather have Criswell than Oviedo, and keep the password. Makes no sense. Sox have 6 or 7 guys as good as Oviedo for spots 4 and 5 in the rotation. A real head-scratcher.
The Red Sox have 2 guys in their rotation that are better than Oviedo, Crochet and Gray, and one that is just about the same in Bello. They had 4 OFers ahead of Nixon on the depth chart in Duran, Abreu, Rafaela, and Anthony. They just traded a 5th OF who barring a major injury would play the entire season in the minors for a #3 or #4 starter in their major league rotation.
Stop embarrassing yourself!
Bak-
You maybe right if he can stay healthy. I think the trade makes some sense for both teams. The issue most Sox fans have is did it really improve the team. The Sox had plenty of 3-5 options already. More depth is always good but I think Sox fans were looking for high end option. With that said if the twins aren’t selling off Ryan/lopez there aren’t a bunch of high end options.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Sox move a starter still this offseason. Perhaps for 2b or relief help.
Simm, Oviedo is healthy. He showed that at the end of the season. The Red Sox have plenty of options in their OF. No team ever has enough pitching, especially middle of the rotation quality starting pitchers. Whether he is the #3 or #4 starter, Oviedo will help the Red Sox in 2026. Nixon would have been just another Worcester OFer.
Too many Red Sox fans are acting like their GM is done when he said after this trade that they were not. I really think that many of them need to see a proctologist about removing their heads.
Also, Samaniego is a legit, LHP bullpen option for Boston in late 2026 or early 2027 (if there is a 2027). All in all, this could be a pretty good trade for Boston. Who knows how the Password will play in the majors.
26 in double-a doesn’t do anything for me. Though its telling we kept him over Criswell
Why does Breslow keep holding onto Moran and Zach?
The password is: meh.
“What’s the smallest line you can read?”
“I can read the bottom one.”
“OK go ahead”
“J, H, O, S, T, Y, N, X, O, N”
And just below G, O, N, E.
Red Sox just need 5 of their 75 starters to pan out.
Love this deal for Pittsburgh. You’d assume this means Keller stays put also.
Get Okamoto and another bat and they’re competitive easily with their pitching.
They will be ridiculed to no end by everyone if they don’t make a concerted effort to win this year. Even experts thing it’s quite hard to screw up having Skenes and Griffin, along with other good young pitchers here and on the way.
This is a great start. They give up a starter who was blocking Barco from starting and gain a prospect who can start in AAA or MLB this year at a position they have ZERO depth in AND it didn’t cost money.
More to come hopefully.
No blocking of anyone. Burrows Ashcraft Oviedo can all come out of pen.
On the Pirates he is viable to be their starting LF or RF. Cruz in CF, Reynolds in LF/RF and who takes the other?
The Password comes in and can play RF or LF. Much better option than Suwinski or bringing back a 40 year old Cutch.
My guess is that this guy has a high ceiling but a low floor and Cherington is betting on the former.
He hasn’t won many bets in six years.
Well they only had one guy in the lineup with an OPS+ over 100, so he’s probably an improvement.
RS front office is getting too cute on this one. Really a lame return for a #5-6 starter, Password could’ve been a great trade chip to throw at SP/FB.—no, I don’t care that the Sox outfield’s jammed with team-friendly, controllable contracts.
Multi-player trade is the joke. This is OF prospect for middling and injured SP.
With a bucket full of AAAA prospects, this has got to be a way to turn an OF into a SP, which tells me they must be moving two or 3 of Bello, Harrison, Crawford, Houck,Early, Tolle, Hicks, etc in another deal for an SP.
Hopefully Casas, Campbell, and/or Yoshida too…they could all use need a new uniform.
I’m also hoping for 3 of Marte, Breggy, Alonso, Ryan, Ragans, Aranado…
Lol, as a fellow Sox fan… Harrison, Crawford, Houck, Hicks do not have trade value in the way you’re thinking. And if you’re expecting 3 of that group, dream on. Also, don’t want to touch Arenado with a 10 foot pole.
We should trade Hicks and Yoshie for 50% discount or a bucket of balls, whichever comes first
Breslow overpays again! Breslow has to go
Not the Pirates starter I was hoping for (Jones or Kellar) if they were going to trade with Pittsburgh, but I think it’ll be ok
Hmm… I guess I should pay more attention to the Pirates since I’m pretty close to them. Jones is recovering from an internal brace procedure.
Honestly, I’d almost still rather have him than two years of Oviedo, since there’s two more years. Keller would be way more expensive for only one more year.
Yes, mafiabass, please pay attention!
No, he doesn’t, unless you’re talking about one of Keller’s yearly streaks of starts where he can’t stay out of dead red and his spin pitches aren’t spinning.
I like Oviedo. The kid throws hard and was mastering his control before surgery. But when Keller is right, he’s the more complete pitcher by a wide margin, especially with off speed and spinners
Again, the caveat is that Mitch seems to have 4-5 starts in a row each year where he gets torched
Maybe Royals wanted Oviendo
They got Falter
Garcia is a center fielder, a postition that is blocked. In return, the Red Sox get a starting pitcher.
I give Boston a B, and Pittsburgh an B+ for this trade.
I don’t think Garcia can play CF.
Read his scouting report
mlb.com/milb/prospects/top100/jhostynxon-garcia-69…
Not enough speed for CF long term but he could handle it until je reaches his mid 20s or pirates have the next mccutcheon to take over
From FanGraphs:
“Where Garcia’s evaluation has moved this spring is in center field. He looks more and more comfortable out there all the time, and has begun making casual over-the-shoulder grabs on relatively tough reads. His pure arm strength is much better than his accuracy, and at this size, it’s possible Garcia will only remain speedy enough for the position in his absolute physical prime, but he’s now tracking like a viable center fielder who deserves a prolonged big league opportunity within the next year or so to see if his hit tool will perform enough for him to be an everyday player. That probably makes him trade fodder due to the crowded field around him in Boston.”
Sox Prospects has been saying his most likely outcome is Rob Refsnyder again.
This seems like a steal for the Pirates, but they have a lot more work to do in order to get the offense playoff caliber. A potential long term outfielder is fantastic for a guy who’s probably your 4/5 starter anyway you cut it. I want Abreu badly, unless they make that move, may not happen.
Will have to keep Keller or get another vet arm if you move him now. Also another few million saved. The big move has to come.
I dunno. Once again we are talking prospects.
If there’s one franchise who can screw up prospects or have them stagnate on the farm, it’s the Pirates.
Not that I’ll miss Oviedo. They have depth in starting pitching. It’s just the kind of trade Cherington seems to always make
I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a steal. Password hasn’t established himself at mlb and im kind of perplexed that they went with a right handed bat while chasing controllable offensive upside. Pnc park is not particularly friendly to right handed power. That said, i wouldn’t necessarily call it a bad deal considering they gave up oviedo rather than one of their more premium arms.
You take what you can get. Half the games are on the road and left handed pitchers are a thing. Hard to see getting more for Oviedo. Have doubts you could get similar. This is a real get.
Seems like the Red Sox are accepting that The Password is another bust and are taking what they can get before everyone else realizes it
This will go down as one of the most spell checked trade in history of MLB
Scrabble fun fest
Didn’t see this one coming.
Fleeced by another former Red Sox GM.. Good job Ben
I like this trade for Pittsburgh more than I do Boston…
I was hoping to read Mitch Keller’s name in the return.
Garcia is a dime a dozen
I do like the trade for Pittsburgh unless he is the plan For this year. We need three MLB proven bats in the lineup for next season.
Pirates need bats period. Proven or not. Hardly anybody can hit on that team.
Yea they need bats but this staff deserves proven bats!
Those cost money and we all know how much Nutting hates spending money.
Early is getting no respect. I think he’s going to be on par with Bello.
Some of these Red Sox fans aren’t even considering Early and Tolle, who both have the talent to contribute to the rotation this year.
Another fine trade by Cherington helping out one of his former teams.
This is the problem in keeping him this year.He cannot make a good trade.
This guy has some power which the Pirates need but Cherington should have held out for Casas and made a straight swap for Oviedo or provided multiple players to include Duran and Casas.
Six years in and good drafting and pitcher development are the only things keeping him employed in this capacity.
Casas is broken, ain’t no way anybody should hold up a deal for him.
You may very well know more about him than me.I know that he had a bad injury last year and hit like 182 but he had real power a couple of years ago.I saw him as a left handed DH with the Pirates and someone like Castellanos or Hopkins as the right handed complement at DH.
The Pirates like inexpensive players and they need power badly.
His only good and healthy season was 2023.
Pirates already have a 1b Horwitz. Kid from Yankees trade can be put there. May need to put Bart Reynolds there if the can do it. Polanco if signed and can do it. JTR if signed can play 1b. Valdez.
Sox have super high opinion of Casas and may want to keep mlb talent.
You’re not supposed to share your Password…
Unfortunately, Boston had their Password changed. Only Pittsburgh knows the new Password.
they love those north of 4 starters
wow, BB/K numbers of a middle reliever. BOS must see something they think they can unlock.
Reminds me of the Marco Gonzales for Tyler O’Neill trade between the Mariners and Cardinals waaaayyyy back in 2017.
reasonably fair. the post injury small sample is enough to make anyone nervous though.
I think Guzman will prove to be nice under the radar acquisition for Boston.
Now get something for Yoshida and Hicks-anything anyone will give you
nice move for the pirates with their need for offence plus a GG outfielder. Been platooned a lot though. Good move for the Sox as well Doesn’t really hurt their starting OF.
Yawn. Anytime The Red Sox or Yankees do anything 500 responses happens Zzzzzzzzz
The Red Sox will do anything but trade from their major league outfield logjam to actually improve their rotation huh.
I don’t think Oviedo is as bad as folks think. Still I get it, Password is a Top 100, even if backend of that. Would Sox fans have preferred Keller here? I like Keller personally, but honestly Oviedo has more upside.
Do the other prospects in the deal balance it more for y’all it’s a 2 for 3 afterall and you get a MLB ready SP.
Pirates fans gotta be happy I’d assume.
Would have preferred to use Jhostynxon to get an actual top of the rotation arm instead of another mid/back of the rotation / future reliever.
He isn’t close to a good enough prospect for that.
You mean like how at the deadline the Sox were close to flipping two of Garcia, Tolle, and Arias for Ryan?
Not enough to be the sole headliner, but would have been a big part of the trade.
In fairness, you’re referencing a trade that didn’t happen to state what a player is worth.
But there’s a reason that didn’t happen and maybe it was this guy. Writing could have been on the wall here. Onto itself, it’s a fair deal and as WashedUpOldTimer said below, Oviedo could be solid.
Twins say that trade wasn’t even close to happening
Yep. Because there’s not tons of reports out there that they were close on some package involving two of Arias, Garcia, and Tolle, probably plus some others.
From Passan on ESPN:
Boston came close. The Red Sox were willing to part with a number of high-end prospects to land right-hander Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins. But that wasn’t expressed until the deadline was nearing, and the Twins were so deep in other talks to disassemble their roster, the prospect of moving Ryan had lost appeal.
espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45860606/2025-mlb-trade-de…
Nothing in that article stated that the 3 prospects you claimed were offered for Ryan actually were. Did you just make up the names? The quote from Passan’s article is the only reference to a possible deal. No names mentioned other than Ryan’s.
Oh boy. You could do a little googling yourself.
x.com/bradfo/status/1951412028066697618
From this very site: referencing Bradfords reporting:
mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/red-sox-notes-ryan-alca…
There’s plenty of other reports out there on it.
I heard Buster Olney report on the radio that people around the league expressed that it looked like Minn did not want to trade Ryan at the trade deadline. So, I doubt any deals for him were close.
You could use a lesson on reading comprehension “yourself.” I was responding to the comments in the article that you provided the link to. “Nothing in that article………” “Oh boy.”
Joemo: That X post does not support that a deal was close. It only discussed what Boston was willing to offer. From your second article:
“A match didn’t happen, of course, and Bradford characterizes the talks with the Twins as somewhat one-sided on Boston’s part. “Ultimately, Minnesota never acted, not informing the Red Sox chief decision-makers what level of offer would be needed to pull off….a move for a controllable ace starting pitcher,” Bradford writes.”
mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/red-sox-notes-ryan-alca…
This tells us a deal for Ryan was not close and that Minn did not have interest in Boston’s offers.
cbssports.com/mlb/news/how-twins-shocker-of-a-fire…
The Red Sox were also engaged in talks with Minnesota about Joe Ryan. Initially, the Twins asked for rookie Roman Anthony, widely viewed as the Red Sox’s next star — a hard no from Boston. When the sides re-engaged, the Twins requested infield prospect Franklin Arias and left-hander Payton Tolle, plus additional pieces. Tolle has drawn interest across the league for his 45% whiff rate on his fastball. The Sox thought they were close to a deal, but that, too, fell through.
—
So we see multiple reports of the Sox offering those prospects, multiple reports that the offers were close.
Joemo – unless the ownership and front office get serious about the 2026 season real soon…..I’d rather keep all of our prospects and trade for a real Ace, not a 30yo sorta/kinda Ace.
I understand your post, not saying you were advocating for Ryan, but just wanted to add my two cents
Joemo: We also have Rob Bradford reporting the opposite that Minn did not really engage in trade talks as they didn’t tell the Red Sox what it would take to get Joe Ryan and Buster Olney reported something similar as I posted. So, at best, we have conflicting reports about what happened. That’s what it looks like to me.
Keller much more upside and already much better. Would cost much more in trade.
Nah, Keller is 2 years older and his stuff has already been on the decline. He’s not costing that much.
Having watched him for his time here in Pittsburgh, it sounds like the analytics crowd is at it again. Bad? He’s not bad at all.
We only saw him in sample sizes post TJ surgery and it was a mixed bag but before then he was finding himself. Gained control. Threw hard. Changed speeds.
How that has gone since the operation, time will tell. I’m told you have a good pitching coach in Boston and as such, it would not surprise me to see him as a reliable mid rotation guy
@washedup I totally agree with you on this matter with Oviedo. Post TJ, he was eating innings like Mitch Keller and for a month before his injury, his K’s took a massive increase and balls batted in play where 53% ground balls. He also controlled the long ball the last month of 2023 before his injury. Guy looked like a nice #3 at that time. Last season was just him getting his feet wet again after TJ. I wasn’t disappointed that he was in the bullpen last year. He still needs to strengthen his arm back up, but he should make some noise for #3 innings eating rotation pieces that the Red Sox need. It’s truly a great move for both organizations and next 2 years will show if this one a dud or win for one or both franchises. Oviedo has the potential to make many Red Sox fans happy he is there. He could be equal or better than Gray.
Just what does this have to do with the “analytics crowd?” If anything, the analytics crowd would tend to favor Oviedo, what with his good K and whiff rates and career-best velocity.
Simmer down there Hank. I was merely supporting washedupoldtimer assessment of Johan Oviedo. With my own observation of Oviedo before and after his TJ surgery. Nothing harmful in pure discussion here. No need to get your panties twisted up over “analytics”.
Side note, there is potential for the Pirates to gain from this too. I just saw a bunch of Red Sox fans getting all worked up over a guy they haven’t clearly followed or took time to research before passing judgement. As for the Pirates, they may get a reliable RF with a strong arm and average or better power numbers. Something they seriously lack and ranked towards the bottom of the league with. Only concern I have, if he can maintain those minor league numbers to the majors. Pirates have plenty of swing and miss guys. I just hope Garcia doesn’t follow in that group. A guy like Jack Suwinski fits the Mandoza line and I hope Garcia is nothing like that
Gee Hank, it has everything to do with the assumptions of modern fans, many of whom are here carping about Oviedo given his numbers. I mean, the Pirates got unproven players back in return
As PiratesFan1981 points out, if you have spent time watching Oviedo’s progression then you see upside in him. The great unknown is always how a player will be coming back from surgery but the young man was definitely progressing
In other words, I’m not sure some of the numbers being thrown around tell the entire tale, which is usually the case with analytics
Keller=Duran.
Lolz
Red Sox have traded talent like b clarke, fitts, Jhostynxon, and devers in the last 6 months
In exchange for 1 season of 36 yr old sonny gray, 2 seasons of #8 starter johan oviedo, and jordan hicks who put up a 7 era this yr
This franchise is going places!
They’ve done well, getting a solid starter in Gray and young talented pitchers like Harrison and Oviedo. And getting rid of Devers’ bloated contract and attitude.
straight from the teat
Both principals in the trade are “iffy”. This is a needs trade. PIT gets a bat, BOS gets an arm. Verdict will take 2 years to register.
This right here is the most reasonable take.
The Sox are getting a quality starting pitcher.
You can take that to the bank. So initial take is Red Sox win this trade. The Pirates will need Garcia to become a 2 WAR OFer, preferably as a rookie, but definitely by second season to say it was a good trade…..and potentially a win for both teams.
I guess the password wasn’t Skenes. As a Bos fan I was hoping to see the password play more
In 25 innings of relief Oviedo has a 2.16 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 25 Ks and 6 BBs.
This may be what the Red Sox are looking at – still seems like a reach, especially because the 3 best prospect in the deal also seems to be coming from the Red Sox.
The sox only traded two players.
Yes, the ‘3rd’ best prospect was also from the Red Sox. (within the entire deal)
Eh I wouldn’t; even call Traviso the third best prospect. He’s a lottery ticket at best
He’s currently made his way up to #19 on SP.com.
Which of the Pirates prospects do you think is superior? They received an interesting, but older (about to turn 27) reliever and a Catcher drafted in the 5th rd with only 5 PA. Haven’t seen either ranked anywhere, but could see Samaniego helping the bullpen by the end of the year if everything works out.
Travieso supposedly only weighs 140 lbs.
Under Cherington, the Pirates have yet to draft and develop an impact position player. Or trade for a prospect and develop him (sorry, Cruz’s exit velocities don’t denote “impact”)
So be happy you got Oviedo. I’m betting that’s all you got
@WashedUpOldTimer
The Red Sox also received a young catcher and a AAA reliever – it’s in the article now.
Washed Up is saying that the only return in the deal worth having is Oviedo—–not that he was the only player acquired by the Sox.
Lefty reliever at very least he is up and down guy. No one to cry over or get upset about but depth is depth. Catcher you can get in any draft rounds 5 to 10 easily.
Thanks Jeff, and that was my point. Given the lackluster development of position players under Cherington, I would not count on anything more in terms of actual value than Oviedo
Easily the biggest trade this season so far. We’ve seen a lot of free agent signings recently, and some trades. This is the biggest one thus so far.
Speaking of trades, Cubs fans, the Astros gave you 250K international bonus pool for Nico Zeglin. Zeglin was 7-0 with 0.95 ERA in 2024 in the High-A for the Cubs.
ASTROS27! “Easily the biggest trade this season so far.”
LOL. We have a comedian in our midst.
Happy Birthday Adonys Guzman, you’re being traded
At first I was puzzled, then I remembered the password call up and just how bad he looked in the box. He made Dalbec look like he had plate discipline. Arm coming off of TJ and other injuries with a high upside I guess.
Hard to get mad or excited for this deal. Maybe the pitcher has some upsdie they are keened in on.
Red Sox getting fleeced by their former GMs
I’m here to watch the Red Sox peoples’ heads explode.
Scroll up a bit plenty already have
acell10: Which, as I said, is why I am here.
Huh, today is Guzman’s birthday.
Good OBP and K/BB ratios.
what.. they did get priester back.
Very similar deal by BC to the trade to acquire Horowitz for Ortiz last year. Hopefully this year, this isn’t the big offseason move for Pirates.
Yep Scott, but they’ll tell you they were in on A couple free agents and again this year that, “Losing is not acceptable”
No. It’s a way of life
Horwitz mlb proven safer. Cost much better prospects. But sure similar that it was 1 depth starter and 2 prospects traded.
Hopefully Oviedo won’t develop the same gambling problem as Ortiz.
Value wise bad trade for Boston. I do get it. They are looking for pitching depth. I would have rather seen Garcia in a larger package for a impact player. He would be a decent 3rd or 4th piece in a big trade
Third or forth pieces are easy to come by
Set? Sure, but disappointing
Feel like the Sox could’ve got a bit more
Typical move by the Pirates. So much for some real additions to improve that lineup. They will put this guy in RF, Cruz (horrible idea again) CF, and Reynolds in LF. It’s a pipe dream, but since Mullins is off the table, I can be hopeful for JJ Bleday now. No way they sign Bader as much as that is a dream every Pirates fan would want. But Bleday would be better than Cruz in CF. Cruz needs to go to RF or DH ASAP.
Also, still holding out hope of either option A: Munetaka Murakami or Option B: Suarez to play 3B and resigning IKF to play SS until Konner Griffin or Tremarr Johnson is ready for the show. I think Bleday, Murakami/Saurez, and IKF would be within the Pirates budget and would dramatically improve the lineup compared to last season. If they can sign one of Pham or Sterling Marte to fully kick Cruz into the DH role, I would be over the moon. Oneil Cruz is NOT an OFer. I am considering him for RF due to his cannon of an arm. But gosh, I seen Little Leaguers field better than this guy at both SS and CF. He’s just horrible in the field. Hopefully DH gets his bat moving and he has some worth going forward.
It’s one move that will probably not be an obvious win for either team but could be good for both. I wouldn’t start sweating just yet as far as no big moves being made, and at least you can have comfort knowing the reds probably won’t go big either lol
Not sure I understand your logic here… you’re upset about a young OF who is a top 100 prospect, but you want them to bring back a clubhouse cancer who started Skenes to Yankees rumors (IKF), a former prospect who never did anything in JJ Bleday, and a guy who sucked for the better part of a season and is near retirement in Pham?
Two of those guys were ON the team last year so not sure they make them better.
Pham or Marte can be platoon guys as needed. It’s either them or have Suwiniski every other day. Bleday can actually play defense, something Cruz is incapable of doing so far. Cruz show boats and is extremely lazy. He lacks hustle and it angers everyone around him. Having Bleday in CF isn’t a horrible idea. He hit 20 HR last year and gives some power to a rather weak lineup. IKF adds stability at SS until Kriffon or Johnson are ready. All players are within the Pirates budget. Bleday, Pham/Marte, and IKF would stabilise the defense and the offense more than you give credit too. Combined, it gives the Pirates 7 WAR. You add Saurez at 3B and gain another 7 WAR. All 4 players should cost around 50 million dollars this year. Saurez should get around 25 million a year, IKF and Pham/Marte around 7 million a piece, and Bleday a modest 5 million this year for his defense. That is around 44 million in commitments to those guys and reasonable enough for the Pirates. I say 50 million just in case they have to throw a few extra million to get a few to sign here. It’s all reasonable and what Pirates would do if they would spend cash this time. We seen it before during the 2015/16 seasons. It would also keep their payroll around 95 million for the 2026 season. I believe their payroll as of right now is like 48 million when you include Jack Suwiniski contract. I wouldn’t expect the Pirates to touch 100 million payroll, by high 80 and mid 90 million seems legit.
I was hoping they’d trade for Bleday and/or Rooker a couple years ago
I like your thinking here and would love to see Marte back in town. And agree completely about Cruz
I can’t see IKF returning here but I get your point. My belief is that the Pirates will rush Griffin if they can. They’re in even worse shape than when they gambled and extended Hayes, calling him the cornerstone of the franchise. Uh, he wasn’t, and he played like he’d rather have been with some other franchise. So much for turning the page and moving forward
Here’s a team with a need for good PR. Something. Anything
2025 was so abysmal that they’re praying the kid at least looks like a major leaguer in spring training
Bleday is considered a HORRIBLE CF. I’m not even sure if he’s better than Cruz.
Pirates still have 25 30 million to spend. And they will because they have to.
Ai- I’m not sure how the Pirates didn’t get grieved last year!?!?!?!
Yes, they’ll sign someone for $4,5,6mm but $25m?
Over Nutting’s dead body
They had grievance before and so what? Like you never heard anything about them after they are filled. I imagine Nutting does the bare minimum to be in compliance. And the revenue sharing can be spent anywhere so Florida DR. They should give Schwarber 25m for 6 years even 7 if need be since it won’t actually cost them 25m. Don’t think they are that smart though
They have some aversion to potentially insulting Cruz. They tend to wear kid gloves and it’s inexplicable. He was a butcher at SS and is worse in CF. He generally hits just above the Mendoza Line but gets his oooohs and awwwwwwes thanks to exit velocities. Meanwhile, he often dogs it on the base paths, likes to admire home runs or long fly balls and still doesn’t know where to throw the ball. Shelton allowed him to do as he pleased. Kelly sat him down….for one game.
I get that someone is talking about “cancers” in the clubhouse but we’ve already seen Cruz’s approach is contagious.
You’re right. This is the kind of trade I expect the GM to make. Prospects. And a power hitting prospect who has problems making contact. As if one Suwinski isn’t enough.
It’s early. They say they’re gonna spend. Guess we’ll find out. But I’m betting there are more of these kinds of trades/signings ahead
So many arm chair gms in these posts. Im not a cherrington fan. But I’m thinking this is a win win trade for both teams. Oviedo was surplus and so is Garcia. Now give Garcia time to mature. And last year the pirates got Horowitz for a guy who’s going to jail. Im betting Horowitz comes alive this year. His wrist surgery held him back in the beginning, but his bat came alive in the second half. Im looking forward to another trade for a decent free agent bat. Good trade for the pirates.
I think Garcia will be a sleeper
Wanna know what this is? It’s John Henry being a freaking tight wad! No Imai, only one big contract will be allowed this year. How can we competed with the Yanks and Jays with this tightwad owner?
6’0 163 pounds.
Not getting suspended for PED’s, at least.
He weighs more than that I’d guess 200 minimum
They traded Joe Stinson?
I don’t really know the pitcher, but sounds like he was putting it together before TJ. and did well in the short sample size last season….Sometimes it takes a long time for pitches to figure it out and hopefully this is the case. I don’t see the sox making a substantial trade or breaking the bank. They might get one of the bigger bats like Bregman or Alonso but don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
I like this deal for BOS.
BTV calls it mostly equal
Pirates $8 million. Red Sox $10 million. A couple players not in the system yet.
Garcia projected (by FG) for an 87 wRC+ and replacement level in 2026
Oviedo’s projection is a 4.23 xFIP and 0.7 fWAR/70 innings
Oviedo has good stuff and imo is a good candidate to break out. Seems the Red Sox realize this as well and the Pirates don’t.
A for Pirates. They have pitching depth and traded it for a need outfielder and power. Will he be Jack 2.0? Cruz 2.0? Or will they keep his K rate in check? It’s a good gamble and a necessary one. I like the pitcher they got back more than one they gave up. Trade pirates need to do.
C for Red Sox. Win win. They traded from depth as well but nice young depth. Win win trade. If they reduce Oviedo walks it’s a huge win. He can start or relieve. Get K or ground ball. Nice back end starter who is cheap. Fair trade. Just if I excluded depth I’d rather have the outfielder with more years and upside. Perfect trade partners.
Given the crowded nature of Boston’s Outfield there was no clear path to the MLB roster in the immediate future for Garcia. Oviedo is an interesting get for the Sox, hopefully he’s healthy.
Good luck to The Password im Pittsburgh
In the long run, this will likely be a trade of Nothing for Nothing.
Where’s A1 (Dream)? I need to know if this rated an A+ for the Pirates
He only gave it an “A” Washed. Likes it a lot, w/caveats.
Can you just get on to trading Duran to Seattle? Thank you.
For?
Why do I feel old friend Ben Cherrington just fleeced us??
Breslow, seems like a smart guy, but his trades leave me scratching my head.
Really expected THE PASSWORD to be part of a trade for a much bigger SP. We shall see.
I think it’s a plus trade for the Red Sox, but an unnecessary trade. I don’t know if they’re expecting someone to get hurt or if someone is still hurt, but this trade makes me question that. However, a guy who is that young and been in the league that long already is certainly a plus, but again: why? They need hitting. Not another back end starter.
Traded a blocked prospect for pitching depth. Lots of pitching depth is good.
Not a great trade. Not a bad trade. Serves both teams. For Boston: Oviedo is a legit MLB pitcher. Maybe as a starter (#3-#5). Maybe as a depth starter (injuries will happen). Maybe as a solid bullpen arm. In any event (if he stays healthy), he should be a solid member of the pitching staff. For Pittsburgh: (1) The $ savings on Oviedo probably equates to a LH bullpen arm. (2) Strengthens the top of their system (AAA) with a legitimate young power hitting prospect to go along with Esmerlyn Valdez. It’s not a 2026 move for Pittsburgh, except that it probably indicates a short-term signing of a veteran outfielder is likely. Doesn’t hurt their pitching staff, because Oviedo wasn’t really part of it except for a handful of games at the end of the year.
One sentence in this note captures this trade for me: “[Oviedo] still has a minor league option remaining”. Trading password Garcia for a 27 year old pitcher who may spend some (all?) of the season at Worcester makes no sense. Yes, Garcia has contact concerns, which may be difficult to overcome at the major league level. But if he’s not a washout — and he did hit 21 HRs and post an .810 OPS as a 22 year old, and he’s a quality defender — you’ve just traded away six years of an everyday outfielder, even if he’s not an all-star. Boston’s OF is crowded and someone needed to go, but it’s hard to imagine that Oviedo is the best return the Sox could have gotten for Garcia.
its a total crap shoot! How many top can’t miss prospects fail and never make it big…..most of them and that’s baseball sox might win this trade and they might loose. Either way the password had a chance last year….a small chance at that but has no clear path with the current roster they have and they still have a crowded outfield..
Yeah,just look at Jarrod Kelenick for one example.
Oviedo is a cheap 5/6 starter who can give you innings at a mid 4s era. He isn’t going to make a playoff rotation but he can eat innings in a swingman role, take load off the bullpen and spot start in case of injury or someone needing a breather.
That is valuable in baseball as injuries with pitchers are going to happen. You certainly don’t want him to be a #3 in a playoff rotation but as a 6 he is solid and ok as a 5. You prefer him being the 6/swingman in a playoff team though.
The pirates just wanted to get the red sox password:)
Guess I can see both sides of this. Red Sox fans would rather have Keller or Jones. Pirates fans would rather have Duran or Abreu. Time will tell if either team won this deal. My money is on Boston.
Personally think Oviedo is a good pitcher. Garcia if they use him this year may be first or second on the team in HR’s but will also be first or second in K’s.
The disappointing part as a Pirates fan is that there are better options out there but Nutting continues to put dollars in his own pockets and make minimal effort in fielding a quality team. They had one chance to trade a quality pitcher for a quality bat and they went for a prospect again. My guess is that’s the only OF addition they make this offseason and start the year with Suwinski out there.
Off season just started. Pirates have 30m to spend in free agency and a loaded farm system. When Schwarber JTR Polanco Suarez Lowe Kwan are gone then fans can worry.
This is just a move. He may start. But if Pirates signed Kyle Tucker they still make this trade. It’s just a good bet to make.
It also opens a roster spot for a big addition
Honestly, this is one of the best trades Cherington has made in his tenure. This is the kind of return we were hoping for with the Bednar trade (top 100 prospect that was MLB ready) and he got it done for a 4/5 starter that could be great but hasn’t proven himself to this point. Could it be a bust? Yes, like most trades, there are risks. Pirates fans are not comfortable with risk (see Archer trade) and therefore criticize first and then concede later (see Horwitz, Falter–when we got him for Castro, and others).
This could fail. But on paper, this was a brilliant move and I am excited to see what’s next.
Betty White wishes he went to Cleveland.
Apparently she has no influence with the man upstairs. 🙂
But her clues were so good.
At least now I don’t need to learn how to spell “Jhostynxon.”
Wow! 325 comments to now on some guys who have shown a few talents and many flaws and will most likely be an insignificant trade. Hot stove league is real.
Time will tell, but I see a bunch of Red Sox Fans over valuing the “password”,
When he came up this year he was clearly overmatched by MLB pitching and it was highly visible. Doesn’t mean with a bunch of Major League AB;s that he is not going to make the necessary adjustments, but the Red Sox don’t have the AB’s or the time for him to grow and they have a fan base that expects to win NOW and the “Password” was blocked and needed to be changed.
It’s all about the first names.
The Sox traded Jesus right before Christmas!
Not sure i would overvalue, but would The password, duran ,criswell and trevsio have gotten keller? Not sure he is a #2 but he is not a 5-6
I wouldn’t trade Duran straight up for Keller. The Red Sox are very analytical team and Mitch Keller is hot garbage analytically.
Have a hard time seeing the logic. Oviedo threw over 100 innings one time and needed tj surgery. We already traded Fitts, released Criswell is the goal to create a pitching shortage of healthy arms. He is technically the third potential starter coming off injury. So if we trade for a bat does that mean Tolle and Early go? I was kinda hoping Garcia would be part of a trade for a real #2, we are stacking 3-5’s..
Homer – I’m having a hard time with this one also. The Pirates saved $1m and bought a second half Top 100 lottery ticket. Sox, as you so aptly put it, got a low end SP with a TJ and short track record.
This probably isn’t how a W.S. hopeful team should be attacking its SP depth. Because Oviedo flashed a higher ceiling once than Criswell, I’ll give the team the benefit of the doubt, but if you factor in the loss of Password and Criswell it doesn’t seem like a good deal
Criswell may make it through waivers.
I think Sox fans will be happy with Oviedo. He looked really good down the stretch and is a competitor. One game Kelly took him out when he was pitching well and he was livid, said a few choice words he didn’t cover with his glove. Password will get his shot with Bucs- might be Jack the 2nd or might turn into a good big leaguer. This looks like a win-win trade to me.
It’s only a win if offense comes forward with this trade. Our pitching is exceptional, and the Bucs are squandering it thru lack of offensive support. There are no excuses anymore.
Well the Password better come out hammerin if he’s going to be in LF everyday. The Buccos need offense ASAP!!
Red Sox gave up Blaze Jordan and Garcia for 2 months of Steven Matz and another “potential” starter that’s going to compete for the 5th spot.
Reportedly, Doug Mientkiewicz and Doug Gwosdz approve this trade
And Marc Rzepczynski.
I have no clue who these players are but moving some bottom tier pitching to the Sox for a young bat is a decent move by the Bucs.
Yet another fabulous pitching grab by Breslow lol – he is the king of acquiring recently injured pitchers, pitchers who have injury history, pitchers who he guarantees money to not even pitch for a year (multiple examples) as well a multitude of guys worthy of being a #5. Other than Crochet what are we doing here Craig? Gray was an alright pickup but we need an actual #2 to lineup in October. A bunch of guys who can barely hold down a 4 or 5 spot in a rotation is not the answer.
The only good part of this as Garcia being shipped out. I like him but he was never going to get the chance to play in BOS with our OF logjam. That’s the only good part. Good for Garcia!
See the Buccos again for Keller or maybe Burrows. They could use Duran or Abreu
Going to cost a lot more than Mitch Keller for Duran or Abreu. I’d bet the Red Sox don’t want any part of Mitch Keller.
I would move Keller next. They still need bats.
Angels—Adell
Red Sox—Abreu or Duran , Sox want another SP
TB—-Lowe
Get 1 of the above
Free Agents—-Polanco, O’Hearn, Okamoto. Sign 2 of these 3 & call it a day
Agree completely, and Nutting dumping Mitch’s salary would be no surprise.
It’s funny though. No one went after him at the deadline. Don’t hear his name now.
Password was available because Campbell is going to the outfield.
Oviedo will replace a SP going to AZ in a trade for Martel or KC for Ragans?
Got a feeling it will be Bello.