As part of a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday, the Red Sox acquired three minor leaguers in three separate trades with the White Sox, Rockies, and Mariners.
This article will focus on Boston acquiring catching prospect Luke Heyman from Seattle for minor league right-hander Alex Hoppe, who was eligible for next month’s Rule 5 Draft but has since been added to the Mariners’ 40-man roster to nullify that.
Heyman, 22, was selected by the Mariners in the 14th round (422nd overall) of the 2025 draft out of the University of Florida. The Altamonte Springs, Fla. native received an over-slot $230,000 signing bonus but did not appear in a game for one of Seattle’s affiliates due to a fractured forearm that prematurely ended his junior season in May.
Before the injury, Heyman batted .301/.397/.578 with seven doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, 37 runs scored, 22 walks, and 38 strikeouts over 49 games (204 plate appearances) for the Gators this past spring en route to earning All-SEC First Team honors. The right-handed hitter was ranked as Baseball America’s No. 127 draft-eligible prospect before dropping to the 14th round in July.
“Heyman offers plus raw power and improving swing decisions,” his pre-draft Baseball America scouting report reads. “He generates carry and lift to the pull side, even on pitches thrown in the outer half of the zone. While Heyman struggled somewhat with offspeed pitches, particularly changeups, he crushed velocity, a byproduct of solid bat speed and rhythm. He stays balanced through his swing and can punish mistakes over the plate.”
On the other side of the ball, Heyman saw the vast majority of his playing time this season come at catcher. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder made 45 starts behind the plate for the Gators and allowed just three passed balls while throwing out 11 of 45 possible base stealers. He also has prior experience at first base.
“Heyman is a well-below-average athlete, which shows up in his limited range of motion, choppy running stride, and heavy lower half,” his scouting report continues. “Scouts believe he has a chance to stick behind the plate thanks to above-average arm strength and improved receiving and blocking. He presented pitches more cleanly than in years past and showed a feel for handling a staff.”
Heyman, who does not turn 23 until next July, is a candidate to make his professional debut with Low-A Salem to start the 2026 season, though he could be a fast riser through Boston’s farm system. Like fellow trade addition Ronny Hernandez, Heyman provides the Red Sox with some much-needed catching depth.
(Picture of Luke Heyman: Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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