In their second of three moves ahead of Monday evening’s trade deadline, the Red Sox acquired veteran outfielder Eli White from the Braves for rookie right-hander Tyler Uberstine.
This article will focus on Uberstine, who was ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 19 prospect after making his major league debut earlier this season.
Uberstine made one relief appearance for the Red Sox on April 5, an 8-6 loss to the Padres at Fenway Park. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed one earned run on three hits, one walk, and two strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. He was ultimately charged with the losing decision after giving up a go-ahead home run to Jackson Merrill to lead off the top of the eighth.
Uberstine was sent back down to Triple-A Worcester the following day but landed on the 7-day injured list with right shoulder soreness on April 16. He returned to the mound in late May and made four rehab appearances for High-A Greenville before rejoining the WooSox on June 14. In 12 outings (one start) since then, he has pitched to a 2.82 ERA with 28 strikeouts to just five walks across 22 1/3 innings while holding opponents to a .192 batting average.
Overall, Uberstine forged a 2.81 ERA with 37 strikeouts to 11 walks in 15 appearances (two starts) spanning 32 innings for Worcester this season. Opposing International League hitters slashed .188/.278/.286 in 129 trips to the plate against him.
Uberstine was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 19th round (556th overall) of the 2021 draft. To get to that point, the righty had to overcome quite a bit. He did not receive any college offers as an undersized high school recruit and unsuccessfully attempted to walk on at USC before transferring to Northwestern. Following his senior season with the Wildcats, he impressed in the MLB Draft League, earning a chance to begin his professional career with Boston.
The recipient of a $97,500 signing bonus, Uberstine debuted in the Florida Complex League in July 2021. He then split his first full season in pro ball between Low-A Salem and Greenville before blowing out his elbow and missing all of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Upon returning to action in 2024, he pitched in the Arizona Fall League and carried some positive momentum into 2025.
In 25 outings (21 starts) between Double-A Portland and Worcester last season, Uberstine posted a 3.58 ERA with 137 strikeouts to 41 walks over 120 2/3 innings. The California native was recognized as the WooSox’ Co-Most Valuable Pitcher and SoxProspects.com’s Comeback Player of the Year. He was then added to Boston’s 40-man roster in November alongside Shane Drohan and David Sandlin (who have also since been traded) for Rule 5 protection purposes.
Following Monday’s trade, Uberstine can add another chapter to his underdog story. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound hurler provides the Braves with a five-pitch mix consisting of a mid-90s fastball that has reached 97 mph, an upper-80s cutter, a lower-90s sinker, a mid-80s changeup, and a lower-80s sweeper.
Uberstine has been optioned by the Braves to Triple-A Gwinnett. Given his intriguing arsenal and upside as a reliever, it would not be surprising to see him contribute out of the bullpen for Atlanta down the stretch.
(Picture of Tyler Uberstine: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
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