Tag: 2024 season

Red Sox trade pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez to Yankees to bolster catching depth

The Red Sox traded an intriguing pitching prospect to the Yankees for catcher Carlos Narvaez on Wednesday night.

In exchange for Narvaez — a 26-year-old who made his major-league debut this past season — Boston sent right-hander Elmer Rodriguez and $250,000 in international bonus pool space to New York. Infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez was designated for assignment to make room for Narvaez on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster.

Rodriguez, 21, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 20 prospect in Boston’s farm system. The native Puerto Rican was originally selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2021 draft out of Leadership Christian Academy in Guaynabo. He forwent his commitment to Oregon by signing with the club for $497,500.

Rodriguez split the 2024 campaign between Low-A Salem and High-A Greenville, posting a 2.91 ERA and 3.56 FIP with 102 strikeouts to 43 walks in 21 appearances (20 starts) spanning a career-high 89 2/3 innings. After being promoted from Salem to Greenville in late July, the righty pitched to a 3.77 ERA (5.34 FIP)  with 29 strikeouts to 18 walks in seven starts (28 2/3 innings). Opposing hitters batted just .180 against him in that stretch.

Though he is listed at 6-foot-3 and 160 pounds, Rodriguez is presumably heavier than that after adding strength last offseason in an effort to gain more velocity. Those efforts seemingly paid off, as the athletic hurler now sits between 94-97 mph and can reach 99 mph with his fastball. He also mixes in an 85-88 mph slider, an 80-83 mph curveball, and an 88-91 mph curveball, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

Rodriguez, who does not turn 22 until August, can become Rule 5-eligible for the first time in his career next winter if he is not added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster by the protection deadline in November. Having said that, it should be interesting to see how he adjusts to life in a new organization moving forward.

(Picture of Elmer Rodriguez: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

Which four prospects did Red Sox trade to White Sox for Garrett Crochet?

The Red Sox bit the proverbial bullet and dipped into their talented prospect pool to complete a trade with the White Sox for frontline starter Garrett Crochet on Wednesday.

In exchange for Crochet — a 25-year-old left-hander who is coming off an All-Star season and is under club control through 2026 — Boston sent right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, and infielder Chase Meidroth to Chicago.

Gonzalez, who turns 23 in March, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 16 prospect in Boston’s farm system. The native Venezuelan originally signed with the Red Sox for $250,000 as an international free agent coming out of Maracay in July 2018. He was added to the 40-man roster last November to protect him from Rule 5 Draft eligibility.

After being recognized as the organization’s 2023 Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year, Gonzalez had an up-and-down 2024 season. The righty posted a 4.73 (4.12 FIP) with 92 strikeouts to 46 walks in 24 appearances (19 starts) spanning 83 2/3 innings for Double-A Portland. He fared better in the second half, as evidenced by a 2.31 ERA (3.52 FIP) in nine outings (seven starts) after the MLB All-Star break. Opposing hitters batted just .157 against him in that stretch.

Listed at 6-foot and 167 pounds, Gonzalez throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a medium-high leg kick into his delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the lively hurler operates with a four-pitch mix that consists of a 94-96 mph fastball that can reach 97 mph, a 77-80 mph curveball, an 87-88 mph changeup, and an 86-88 mph cutter. His command and control are still considered works in progress.

Teel, who turns 23 in February, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 4 prospect in Boston’s farm system and the No. 25 prospect in the sport. The New Jersey native was originally selected by the Red Sox with the 14th overall pick in last year’s draft out of Virginia. He received a $4 million signing bonus.

Following a successful professional debut that saw him reach the Double-A level, Teel returned to Portland for the start of the 2024 season and represented the Red Sox at July’s All-Star Futures Game before receiving a promotion to Triple-A Worcester in August. Altogether, the left-handed hitter batted .288/.386/.433 (134 wRC+) with 23 doubles, 13 home runs, an organizational-leading 78 RBIs, 88 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, 68 walks, and 116 strikeouts in 112 total games (505 plate appearances). He was named an Eastern League Post-Season All-Star and a Baseball America Double-A All-Star.

On the other side of the ball, Teel was voted as the Eastern League’s top defensive catcher in Baseball America’s 2024 Best Tools survey. Equipped with plus arm strength, the 6-foot, 190-pound backstop logged 655 1/3 total innings behind the plate between Portland and Worcester and threw out 23 of 116 possible base stealers. He also allowed 11 passed balls and committed 12 errors in 793 chances.

Montgomery, who turns 22 in April, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 6 prospect in Boston’s farm system and the No. 59 prospect in the sport. The Texas A&M product was selected by the Red Sox with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft but did not make his professional debut after signing for $5 million since he was still recovering from a fractured right ankle he suffered in June’s NCAA Super Regionals.

Before seeing his junior season get cut short, the switch-hitting Montgomery had slashed .322/.454/.733 with 14 doubles, one triple, 27 home runs, 85 RBIs, 65 runs scored, five stolen bases, 53 walks, and 59 strikeouts in 61 games (295 plate appearances) for the Aggies. On the other side of the ball, the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder saw most of his playing time this past spring come in right field and he was named to the 2024 SEC All-Defensive Team among various other honors. His arm strength grades as a 70 on Baseball America’s 20-80 scouting scale.

Meidroth, 23, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 8 prospect in Boston’s farm system. The California native was originally selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of San Diego. He received a $272,500 signing bonus and had established himself as one of the organization’s more unique talents by utilizing his contact skills and plate discipline to compensate for his lack of power.

Meidroth spent the 2024 season with Worcester and was recognized as the WooSox’ Most Valuable Player. In 122 games, the right-handed hitter batted .293/.437/.401 with 20 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 57 RBIs, 87 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 105 walks, and 71 strikeouts over 558 plate appearances. He was named a Triple-A All-Star by Baseball America.

Defensively, Meidroth saw playing time at every infield position besides first base with Worcester this year. The versatile 5-foot-10, 170-pounder logged 412 innings at shortstop, 275 1/3 innings at third base, and 137 2/3 innings at second base. He committed 10 total errors (seven at shortstop, three at third base) in 340 chances altogether.

(Picture of Kyle Teel: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox add four pitchers, including ex-Nationals righty, in minor-league phase of Rule 5 Draft

While the Red Sox passed on making a selection in the major-league phase of Wednesday’s Rule 5 Draft, they were quite active in the minor-league portion.

Boston selected right-hander Hobie Harris from the Mets, right-hander Darvin Garcia from the Pirates, left-hander Manuel Medina from the Marlins, and right-hander Jack Anderson from the Tigers in the first four rounds of the six-round Triple-A phase.

Harris is the only one of the four who has prior major-league experience. The 31-year-old debuted with the Nationals in April 2023 and posted a 5.12 ERA (5.84 FIP) with nine strikeouts to 13 walks over 16 relief appearances (19 2/3 innings). He was outrighted off Washington’s 40-man roster last November and subsequently signed a minor-league deal with the Twins in January.

Harris spent all of 2024 with Minnesota’s Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul, logging a 6.79 ERA (5.63 FIP) with 62 strikeouts to 31 walks in 44 outings (54 1/3 innings) for the Saints. He became a free agent last month and inked a minors pact with the Mets on November 25. As it turns out, his stint there did not last too long.

A former 31st-round draft pick of the Yankees out of Pittsburgh in 2015, Harris owns a lifetime 4.52 ERA with 193 strikeouts to 99 walks in 166 career appearances (183 1/3 innings) at the Triple-A level between the Blue Jays, Brewers, Nationals, and Twins organizations. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound hurler featured a mid-90s fastball that reached 97 mph while also mixing in a splitter, cutter, and slider with St. Paul this past season. He should provide the Red Sox with experienced bullpen depth at Triple-A Worcester out of the gate in 2025.

Garcia, meanwhile, originally signed with the Pirates as an international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic in July 2019. The 25-year-old righty spent most of the 2024 campaign with Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate in Greensboro and forged a 4.50 ERA (4.47 FIP) with 43 strikeouts to 27 walks in 31 relief outings (44 innings) for the Grasshoppers. He made one appearance for Double-A Altoona (against the Portland Sea Dogs) on June 1 and took the loss after giving up four runs (one earned) in one inning.

This offseason, Garcia has been pitching in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Coming into play on Wednesday, he has produced a 6.97 ERA and 1.74 WHIP with 14 strikeouts to six walks in nine relief outings (10 1/3 innings) for the Gigantes de Carolina.

Medina is the lone lefty in this group. The 22-year-old southpaw originally signed with the Marlins as an international free agent coming out of Venezuela in May 2019. He spent much of the 2024 season in the Florida Complex League, compiling a 0.89 ERA (1.32 FIP) with 36 strikeouts to five walks in 18 outings (20 1/3 innings) and earning FCL Post-Season All-Star honors. He appeared in three games for Miami’s Low-A affiliate in September and yielded three runs (two earned) on four hits, zero walks, and five strikeouts over four innings of relief.

Anderson, 25, is a former 2021 16th-round draft selection of the Tigers out of Florida State. The Tampa native split the 2024 campaign between High-A West Michigan and Triple-A Toledo, posting a 3.66 ERA (3.37 FIP) with 60 strikeouts to 13 walks in 35 total appearances (one start) spanning 66 1/3 innings. That includes a 2.92 ERA (2.91 FIP) over 49 1/3 innings in which opposing hitters batted .215 against him at West Michigan.

This marks the first time since 2017 that the Red Sox did not take a Yankees player in the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. In addition to the four minor-leaguers gained on Wednesday, Boston lost outfielder Bryan Gonzalez to the Royals, outfielder Eduardo Lopez to the Phillies, right-hander Robert Kwiatkowski to the Cubs, and outfielder Miguel Ugueto to the Cardinals.

(Picture of Hobie Harris: Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Could Red Sox lose ‘intriguing’ pitching prospect in next week’s Rule 5 Draft?

The 2024 Rule 5 Draft is less than a week away and the Red Sox — like all other 29 MLB teams — could be at risk of losing some of the eligible players they elected to leave off their 40-man roster last month.

By selecting the contracts of right-hander Hunter Dobbins and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia on November 19, Boston left dozens of others exposed and available to rival clubs in next Wednesday’s Rule 5 Draft. One such name to keep an eye on is pitching prospect Yordanny Monegro.

Monegro was recently tabbed by MLB.com as perhaps the Red Sox’ most intriguing Rule 5 candidate. The 22-year-old righty is currently regarded by MLB Pipeline as the No. 25 prospect in Boston’s farm system, which ranks 11th among pitchers in the organization.

Originally signed for $35,000 as an international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic in February 2020, Monegro rose through the ranks last year by breaking out to a 2.06 ERA (2.55 FIP) in 14 appearances (13 starts) spanning 65 2/3 innings between the Florida Complex League, Low-A Salem, and High-A Greenville. The Santo Domingo native seemed poised to build off that momentum out of the gate in 2024, but he did not make his season debut until early May as a result of experiencing weakness in his pitching shoulder during spring training.

After completing a three-start rehab assignment in the FCL, Monegro returned to the mound for Greenville on June 2. He then posted a 2.73 ERA (3.72 FIP) with 82 strikeouts to 26 walks in 15 outings (14 starts) and 66 innings pitched for the Drive. That includes a 39-inning stretch from July 14 through September 1 in which he did not allow a single earned run. Overall, opposing hitters batted just .176 against him.

Among the 57 pitchers who threw at least 65 innings in the South Atlantic League this year, Monegro ranked third in batting average against, fifth in WHIP (1.03), sixth in strikeout rate (30.8 percent), eighth in ERA, ninth in swinging-strike rate (15.1 percent), 10th in xFIP (3.40), 11th in strikeouts per nine innings (11.18), 21st in FIP, 22nd in line-drive rate (22.1 percent), 24th in groundball rate (40.9 percent), and 27th in walks per nine innings (3.55), per FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Monegro throws from a high three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a high leg kick into his delivery. This past season, the lanky hurler sat in the mid-90s and reached 96-97 mph with his four-seam fastball while also mixing in a lower-90s sinker, a mid-80s slider, an upper-70s curveball, and an upper-80s changeup.

If Monegro were to be selected by another club for $100,000 next week, he would need to stick on that team’s major-league roster (or injured list) for the entirety of the 2025 season. If those conditions cannot be met, he would be placed on waivers and then offered back to the Red Sox for $50,000 should he clear.

Given the fact that he is still developing his pitch mix and has yet to pitch above the High-A level, it seems unlikely that Monegro — who does not turn 23 until next October — would be able to stick on another team’s 26-man roster for all of 2025 without taking his lumps even if he is used in a relief role. Still, that same team may be willing to take that risk and endure those struggles with an eye toward the future since Monegro possesses the kind of potential that could further raise his ceiling.

(Picture of Yordanny Monegro: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

After missing all of 2023, how did versatile Red Sox prospect Andy Lugo fare this past season?

Alongside top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell, Andy Lugo was the only other Red Sox minor-leaguer to hit 30 or more doubles this past season.

Lugo split the 2024 campaign between Low-A Salem and High-A Greenville. In 108 games, the right-handed hitting 21-year-old batted .263/.337/.371 with 30 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 45 RBIs, 47 runs scored, 28 stolen bases (in 32 attempts), 31 walks, and 88 strikeouts over 420 plate appearances.

After missing the entire 2023 season with a quad strain, Lugo broke camp with Salem in April to mark his first competitive action in nearly two years. He slashed .271/.337/.388 with 24 doubles, one triple, two home runs, 32 RBIs, 37 runs scored, 23 stolen bases, 20 walks, and 64 strikeouts in his first 77 games (300 plate appearances) for the Red Sox before being promoted to Greenville in early August.

Lugo spent nearly four weeks with the Drive, hitting .225/.295/.282 with four doubles, six RBIs, four runs scored, three stolen bases, five walks, and 20 strikeouts in 21 games (79 plate appearances). He was sent back down to Salem on August 27 and closed out his season by going 9-for-33 (.273) with two doubles, one home run, seven RBIs, six runs scored, two stolen bases, six walks, and four strikeouts in his final 10 games.

Among the 21 Red Sox minor-leaguers who made at least 400 trips to the plate in 2024, Lugo ranked first in wSB (2.3), third in line-drive rate (27.9 percent), sixth in strikeout rate (21 percent), seventh in swinging-strike rate (10.8 percent), eighth in batting average, and 10th in speed score (6.2) and wRC+ (111), per FanGraphs.

On the other side of the ball, Lugo saw playing time at five different positions this year. Between his stops in Salem and Greenville, the versatile six-footer logged 261 innings in left field, 194 innings at third base, 174 innings in right field, 153 innings at first base, and 116 innings at second base. He recorded six outfield assists and committed 12 errors in 316 total defensive chances. He also struck out the lone batter he faced in the first relief appearance of his career on September 6.

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Lugo originally signed with the Red Sox for just $10,000 as an international free agent in July 2021. The San Cristobal native made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League the following June and was later recognized as the organization’s 2022 Latin Program Position Player of the Year.

Lugo — who turns 21 in March — is not currently ranked among Boston’s top 60 prospects by SoxProspects.com, which projects that he will return to Greenville for the start of the 2025 season if he remains with the organization through the winter and into the spring.

(Picture of Andy Lugo: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

How did No. 1 Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony fare in 2024?

Roman Anthony will enter the 2025 season as Baseball America’s top-ranked Red Sox prospect. That should come as no surprise after the outfielder secured the No. 1 spot on the publication’s top-100 list earlier this summer.

Anthony, the 79th overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland, Fla.), was among the top performers in Boston’s farm system this past season. The West Palm Beach native began the year at Double-A Portland (where he appeared in 10 games last September), overcame somewhat of a slow start and minor injury concerns, represented the Red Sox at All-Star Futures Game festivities, and earned a promotion to Triple-A Worcester all before the 2024 campaign drew to a close.

Out of the gate this spring, Anthony batted .243/.365/.392 with 11 doubles, one triple, 13 RBIs, 20 runs scored, five stolen bases, 29 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 41 games (178 plate appearances) for the Sea Dogs) through May 25. The left-handed hitter was then sidelined with rib cage irritation until June 5. Upon returning to action, he slashed .237/.324/.516 with four doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 14 RBIs, 18 runs scored, three stolen bases, 10 walks, and 22 strikeouts over his next 25 games (111 plate appearances) leading up to July’s All-Star break.

Three days before the annual Midsummer Classic in Arlington, Texas, Anthony took center stage in the first-ever Futures Skills Showcase at Globe Life Field on July 13. Competing with seven well-regarded prospects, the 20-year-old overcame some early adversity and ultimately won the competition by crushing six home runs on eight swings in the third and final ‘Swing for the Fences’ stage.

Though he did not play in the Futures Game itself, Anthony kicked things up a notch upon returning to Portland’s lineup on the other side of the All-Star break. From July 19 through August 11, he batted a stout .359/.425/.641 with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored, eight stolen bases, nine walks, and 23 strikeouts over 18 games (87 plate appearances). He was then promoted to Worcester alongside Sea Dogs teammates Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel the following day.

Anthony continued his ascent by slashing .344/.463/.519 with 12 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 20 RBIs, 33 runs scored, five stolen bases, 31 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 35 games (164 plate appearances) with the WooSox to close out the season. He became Baseball America’s No. 1 overall prospect when Rays infielder Junior Caminero exhausted his prospect eligibility on September 11.

Altogether, Anthony produced a .291/.396/.498 line with 32 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, 93 runs scored, 21 stolen bases, 79 walks, and 127 strikeouts over 119 total games (540 plate appearances) between Portland and Worcester in 2024. Among the 185 minor-leaguers who made at least 500 trips to the plate this season, Anthony ranked fourth in wRC+ (149), sixth in wOBA (.401), eighth in OPS (.894), ninth in on-base percentage, 14th in walk rate (14.6 percent) and slugging percentage, 22nd in batting average, 25th in isolated power (.207), and 39th in swinging-strike rate (8.7 percent), per FanGraphs.

On the other side of the ball, Anthony saw playing time at all three outfield spots between his stops in Portland and Worcester this year. With the WooSox in particular, the projectable 6-foot-2, 200-pounder made 21 starts in center, nine starts in left, and four starts in right without committing an error in 71 total defensive chances. His fielding tool currently grades as a 55 on Baseball America’s 20-80 scouting scale.

As far as awards and honors are concerned, Anthony added plenty to his trophy case in the weeks following the conclusion of the minor-league season. In addition to his Futures Game selection, Anthony was named Portland’s Most Valuable Player, an Eastern League season-end All-Star, a Baseball America Double-A and Minor League All-Star, and an All-MiLB Prospect First Teamer.

On the heels of a successful season in which he reached the top ring of the minors, Anthony could very well reach the major leagues before his 21st birthday in May. Barring a trade for a frontline starting pitcher, he is far from a lock to make the Red Sox’ 2025 Opening Day roster given the breadth of left-handed hitting outfield depth ahead of him. Still, Anthony has clearly put himself on the map as a potential franchise cornerstone with an extremely high ceiling.

(Picture of Roman Anthony: Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)

Red Sox’ Michael Sansone makes strong mark in 2024 with Low-A Salem

After signing out of the independent Pioneer League in April, Michael Sansone put together an exceptional first season as a member of the Red Sox organization.

Sansone became the first player in the young history of the Yolo High Wheelers to have his contract sold to a major-league club. The 25-year-old left-hander came with prior experience in affiliated ball, as he spent parts of two seasons in the Rays organization after signing with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent coming out of Fairfield University (Conn.) in July 2022.

Shortly after signing with Boston, Sansone reported to Low-A Salem, where he would spend the remainder of the 2024 campaign. In 20 appearances (three starts) for the Red Sox, the lefty posted a 3.11 ERA and 3.25 FIP with 68 strikeouts to nine walks over 72 1/3 innings. Though he held right-handed hitters to a .193 batting average, left-handed hitters surprisingly batted .340 off him.

Among the 46 Carolina League pitchers who worked at least 70 innings this year, Sansone ranked second in walks per nine innings (1.12) and walk rate (3.1 percent), fourth in WHIP (1.01), ninth in FIP, 16th in ERA, 17th in xFIP (3.47), 19th in swinging-strike rate (13.6 percent), per FanGraphs.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Sansone primarily operates with a three-pitch mix that consists of a fastball, slider, and changeup. When speaking with The Athletic’s Melissa Lockard back in April, Red Sox assistant director of professional scouting Mark Heil noted that while Sansone doesn’t throw particularly hard, the southpaw “has a good slider and changeup and excellent make-up.”

Sansone, who just turned 25 earlier this month, is not currently ranked by publications such as SoxProspects.com as one of the top pitching prospects in Boston’s farm system. He is, however, projected to make the jump to High-A Greenville next season if he remains with the organization through the winter and into the spring.

(Picture of Michael Sansone: Gary Streiffer/Flickr)

Red Sox bring Isaiah Campbell, Bryan Mata back on minor-league deals after non-tendering them

The Red Sox have re-signed pitchers Isaiah Campbell and Bryan Mata to minor-league contracts, as was first reported by MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo. The pair of right-handers will remain with the organization for the time being after being designated for assignment and subsequently non-tendered by Boston on Friday.

Campbell and Mata were designated for assignment on Tuesday after the Red Sox added prospects Hunter Dobbins and Jhostynxon Garcia to their 40-man roster. Though neither was tendered a contract and was granted free agency on Friday, Cotillo notes that Boston remained interested in keeping both Campbell and Mata in the organization. The club was able to secure new deals that include non-roster invites to major-league spring training with each pitcher, though they could both generate interest in next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

If they remain with the Red Sox through the winter, however, both Campbell and Mata should have a chance at competing for a spot on Boston’s Opening Day roster this coming spring. They can otherwise serve as depth pieces at Triple-A Worcester if they do not break camp with the big-league club in March.

Campbell, 27, was acquired from the Mariners for infielder Luis Urias last November. On the heels of a successful rookie campaign with Seattle, the Arkansas product got his 2024 off to an encouraging start by compiling a 2.08 ERA through five relief appearances (4 1/3 innings) on Boston’s season-opening west coast road trip. He then surrendered nine total runs (eight earned) in back-to-back blowups against the Orioles at Fenway Park before being placed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement on April 12.

Following a lengthy stint on the injured list, Campbell returned to the majors on June 24. He yielded three earned runs in one-third of an inning against the Blue Jays. That proved to be his final big-league outing of the season, as he was optioned to Worcester shortly thereafter and was then shut down with right elbow inflammation in late July. Altogether, he posted a 6.20 ERA in eight appearances (6 2/3 innings) for the Red Sox and a 2.20 ERA in 14 appearances (16 1/3 innings) for the WooSox this year.

Mata, meanwhile, was once regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the organization after originally signing with the Red Sox as an international free agent coming out of Venezuela in January 2016. Equipped with an electric pitch mix, the 25-year-old righty spent four seasons on Boston’s 40-man roster without making his major-league debut due to various injuries and instead exhausted all of his minor-league options in that time.

After opening the 2024 season on the injured list with a right hamstring strain, a rehabbing Mata proceeded to forge a 4.37 ERA over 22 2/3 innings across four minor-league levels. He re-joined Worcester in late June as part of his comeback attempt but was unable to take the next step to the majors due to a bout with right elbow soreness that landed him on the 60-day injured list in July.

This offseason, Mata has been pitching for the Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League. Coming into play on Saturday, the Maracay native owns a 2.70 ERA with one strikeout to one walk in four relief appearances (3 1/3 innings) for the Valencia-based club.

(Picture of  Isaiah Campbell: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox minor leaguer suspended for positive drug test

Red Sox minor-league pitcher Raphy Gil has received a 56-game suspension for violating the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for Minor League players assigned outside of the United States and Canada, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Gil, a right-hander who pitched in the Dominican Summer League this season, tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol, which is known for its ability to promote fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. The recently-turned 19-year-old has been placed on the restricted list and will not be paid while serving his suspension.

A native of the Dominican Republic himself, Gil signed with the Red Sox as an international free agent coming out of Higuey on June 13. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound hurler made his professional debut nine days later and posted a 0.90 ERA (4.78 FIP) with eight strikeouts to six walks in eight relief appearances (10 innings) for DSL Red Sox Red. Opposing hitters batted .211 against him.

Gil is not currently ranked among Boston’s top 60 prospects by SoxProspects.com. He becomes the third Red Sox minor-league pitcher to be suspended for testing positive for Stanozolol this year, joining fellow righties Charlie Zink and Anthony Felix.

In addition to Gil, Guardians minor-league pitcher Abraham Tejada was also placed on the restricted list and handed down a 56-game suspension without pay on Thursday after testing positive for Stanozolol. Tejada spent the last two seasons in the Dominican Summer League after signing with Cleveland in January 2022.

(Picture of Fenway Park: Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Red Sox sign former Royals utility man Nate Eaton to minor-league deal

The Red Sox are in agreement on a minor-league contract with free-agent utility man Nate Eaton, as was first reported by MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. The deal includes an invite to big-league spring training and guarantees $780,000 if Eaton reaches the majors.

Eaton, who turns 28 next month, was originally selected by the Royals in the 21st round of the 2018 draft out of Virginia Military Institute. He debuted for Kansas City in 2022 and appeared in 72 games over parts of two seasons before spending the entirety of the 2024 campaign with Triple-A Omaha.

Offensively, Eaton is a lifetime .201/.266/.283 hitter with four doubles, three triples, one home run, 13 RBIs, 18 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 12 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 178 career plate appearances at the major-league level. After going just 4-for-53 (.075) with the Royals in 2023, the right-handed hitter was designated for assignment and subsequently outrighted off Kansas City’s 40-man roster last November. He then slashed .252/.299/.439 with 30 doubles, one triple, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs, 65 runs scored, 27 stolen bases, 27 walks, and 108 strikeouts in 116 games (464 plate appearances) for the Omaha Storm Chasers this past season before electing free agency.

Elsewhere, Eaton is known for his defensive versatility and speed. With Omaha this year, the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder made 40 starts at third base, 32 starts in left field, 12 starts in center field, nine starts in right field, and two starts at second base. In his two seasons with Kansas City, he saw playing time at third base and all three outfield spots

In his rookie season two years ago, Eaton ranked in the 100th percentile of all major leaguers in arm strength by averaging 98.1 mph on his throws. To complement that, his sprint speed ranked in the 97th percentile at 29.6 feet per second in 2022 and in the 96th percentile at 29.5 feet per second in 2023, according to Baseball Savant.

Though he has two minor-league options remaining and hits from the right side of the plate, Eaton does not necessarily have a clear path to a big-league roster spot with the Red Sox. He does, however, possess a unique skill set that could help him stand out at camp and — in all likelihood — with Triple-A Worcester to begin the 2025 season.

(Picture of Nate Eaton: Ed Zurga/Getty Images)