The only real name lost was the Toronto Blue Jays took right handed pitcher Angel Bastardo. Bastardo was on a downward trend the last five years. He was 1-3 with a 6.67 ERA back in 2021 for the Florida Complex and was 0-5 with a 5.36 ERA for Portland before having Tommy John surgery in June. Why the Blue Jays wanted someone who won't even pitch for most of next year is anyone's guess.
In the minor league phase, the St. Louis Cardinals took Greenville Drive outfielder Miguel Ugueto. Ugueto hit just .242 with 4 home runs for the Drive this past season after hitting just .216 last year. Guess the Cards think they can get something out of him.
The Chicago Cubs helped close another chapter of the Chaim Bloom era when they selected 27 year old right handed pitcher Robert Kwiatkowski. Robert was an undrafted rookie free agent signed after the 2020 draft. He turned things around in 2024 to go 13-2 for Portland and Worcester out of the bullpen. Unlike the others, at least he had a good season which could be a hidden gem for the Cubs.
The Philadelphia Phillies ended up taking 22 year old Greenville Drive utility player Eduardo Lopez. Lopez hit just .232 with the Drive this year although he did clock 6 home runs in 56 games. The Phillies are hoping his power develops. Maybe it will.
Last, the Kansas City Royals took 23 year old Portland Sea Dogs outfielder Bryan Gonzalez. Its a shame the Sox couldn't protect him because he came on strong in 2024 for the Greenville Drive, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 59 runs before earning a cup of coffee with Portland. The Royals are banking on him continuing his power stroke in AA and beyond. If he does, then kudos to the Royals for making the move.
Now who did the Sox get in the draft? First, the Sox chose 25 year old right handed pitcher Jack Anderson from the Detroit Tigers. The funny thing was the Tigers took Anderson in the 2021 draft one pick before the Sox took BJ Vela who they released in Spring Training in 2023. Anderson went 5-1 with a combined 3.66 ERA between Double and Triple A. The Sox need pitching depth in Worcester and this definitely fills a need there. Anything else they get from him is a bonus.
The Sox then took 22 year old left handed pitcher Manuel Medina from the Florida Marlins. He's been bouncing back between the Complex League and Low A for three years now. Maybe this year he'll stick around in Salem.
The Sox also selected 25 year old right handed pitcher Darvin Garcia from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This one doesn't seem like a great idea as his career record was 16-10 with a 5.06 ERA between 2019 and 2024. He was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in High A, that doesn't really translate to success in the higher levels. Still, with all the guys going, they have to have someone left to pitch games.
Lastly, the Sox picked 31 year old career minor leaguer, right handed pitcher Hobie Harris from the New York Mets. Harris was originally drafted in the 31st round by the New York Yankees back in 2015 and bounced around ever since. He did manage to make his MLB debut for the Washington Nationals back in 2023 but was hammered for 12 runs in 19 innings. He spent 2024 with the St. Paul Saints and was straight batting practice, going 4-6 with a 6.79 ERA. Why they think he can bring success to the table is anyone's guess.
Kind of amusing how the Chicago Cubs might have gotten a good pitcher while the Red Sox took castoffs and career minor leaguers. Every year it seems they get raided except for 2021 when they stole Garrett Whitlock from the Yankees. This year there was nothing to raid after the trades they made so this just seems inconsequential. Still, you never know if someone will be good or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment