Red Sox Acquire Three Pitchers in Trade with Yankees for Verdugo
ICARO Media Group
This move is expected to bolster the Red Sox's pitching staff and provide additional depth for the team.
One of the pitchers the Red Sox received is Greg Weissert, an experienced reliever who has already had a taste of the big leagues. The 28-year-old right-hander was an 18th-round pick in the 2016 draft and made 17 appearances for the Yankees in 2023, posting a respectable 4.05 ERA. Weissert showcased his skills at Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, where he held hitters to an impressive .184 batting average with a 2.90 ERA. He is considered a strong candidate to compete for a middle bullpen role in the Red Sox lineup.
According to scouts not affiliated with either team, Weissert is known for his two-seam and four-seam fastballs, which he delivers from a three-quarter arm slot. His sinker has proven to be effective in inducing groundballs, while his cutter, slider, and changeup serve as his secondary pitches. With a bulldog mentality on the mound, Weissert's slider clocks in at around 82-83 mph, tending to have a sweeping motion, while his cutter reaches speeds of 90-91 mph and is favored against left-handed hitters. His changeup, at 84-86 mph, has the potential to generate swing-and-miss from lefties.
In addition to Weissert, the Red Sox gained two promising right-handed pitchers from the Yankees: Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice. Fitts, a 23-year-old who was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2023, had an impressive record of 11-5 with a 3.48 ERA over 152.2 innings in 27 starts for Double A Somerset. He earned recognition by being selected to both the Eastern League post-season All-Star team and the Baseball America Double A All-Star team. Fitts, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 draft, has shown great potential throughout his career, currently holding a career ERA of 3.57 in 49 minor league starts.
With this trade, the Red Sox have strategically reinforced their pitching staff with three talented arms. The addition of Weissert's experience and Fitts' promising track record in the minor leagues is expected to bring depth and versatility to the team. As the Red Sox continue to make moves to strengthen their roster, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season to witness the impact of these new acquisitions.
Overall, this trade signifies the Red Sox's commitment to enhancing their pitching staff and solidifying their chances of success in the upcoming season. The Red Sox organization is confident that these three pitchers will contribute significantly to the team's performance, showcasing their abilities on the field and helping to propel the Red Sox towards a successful season in the highly competitive world of Major League Baseball.