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Red Sox Predictions: Catcher Blake Swihart Will Be Traded For A No. 2 Starter

By Samantha Riley

Aug 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) singles in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) singles in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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RHP Ricky Nolasco – Minnesota Twins

Apr 21, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Twins were shopping Ricky Nolasco during the offseason, so it would not be a surprise to see them doing the same thing this upcoming July. However, in order to move him, the Twins will need to convince other teams that he has completely bounced back from a disappointing 2015 season. The upside is that Nolasco has been showing some promise this year.

Interestingly enough, the Twins announced during spring training that Nolasco would start the season in the bullpen. But, after some quality outings in spring training, Nolasco won a spot in the Twins’ rotation. For April, Nolasco had a 3.25 ERA and pitched seven or more innings in three out of his four starts. He also only walked three batters and struck out 24 in 27.2 innings pitched. Unfortunately, May has not been a great month for Nolasco. He has only pitched 10.2 innings over two starts, resulting in a 8.44 ERA.

If Nolasco can right whatever is ailing his pitching at the moment, he could be a good option for the Red Sox. He is signed through 2017 with a club option in 2018, so Boston could have him in the rotation for a few more years should he bounce back. If Nolasco can stay healthy, he could be a quality pitcher for the BoSox.

The Twins are currently in dire need of a catcher. They would probably be very interested in Blake Swihart and are looking to offload Nolasco because of his expensive contract. The Red Sox would likely not have to give up that much besides Swihart in order to acquire Nolasco. Boston should keep an eye on Nolasco to evaluate as to whether or not he would make a good No. 2 starter in the rotation.

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