The Boston Red Sox made a trade that won’t break headlines on Tuesday but is definitely still newsworthy. Trading Esteban Quiroz for Colten Brewer.
The Boston Red Sox made a trade to bolster their bullpen depth on Tuesday by acquiring Colten Brewer from the San Diego Padres. In doing so, they traded away minor league second baseman Esteban Quiroz.
At first glance, this trade doesn’t make much sense for the Red Sox.
Source: infielder Esteban Quiroz goes to Padres in trade for Colten Brewer. @Ken_Rosenthal on Brewer deal
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) November 20, 2018
First, let’s talk about Quiroz. Anyone that’s ever read an article of mine probably knows how I feel about Pony. He’s got all the tools to succeed in the Majors and I even just listed him as a dark-horse ROY candidate for the Red Sox within the next two seasons.
Quiroz is 26 and comes in at 5’7″, 175 lbs. Due to that, he seems to be overlooked quite often. His numbers speak for themselves though and he definitely passes the eye test as a potential five-tool player.
I mean, the man drove in 24 runs in 24 games last season in Double-A.
While the Red Sox have plenty of infield prospects, they’re light on second basemen who could make an impact in the Majors right now. The depth at the position will be questionable next year with Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips likely not returning. Dustin Pedroia‘s health is always a question and Eduardo Nunez has had plenty of health concerns over the last two seasons as well.
With all that in mind, Quiroz very well might have been one of the first in line for an emergency roster spot.
Brewer, on the other hand, is a relief pitcher. The 26-year-old spent time in both Triple-A and the Majors last season.
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Brewer was solid in Triple-A but nothing dominant (like driving 24 runs in 24 games). The right-hander had a 3.75 ERA in 37 appearances. He did manage a fantastic 63 strikeouts over 48 innings though. Over the course of his career, Brewer has a 4.01 ERA in the minors.
In the Majors, Brewer didn’t fare too well – posting a 5.59 ERA and 2.28 WHIP in 9 2/3 innings.
Although the Red Sox bullpen was the subject of much criticism this season – they do have plenty of depth. Triple-A is the home of three pitchers that deserve a chance soon in Travis Lakins and Matthew Gorst, as well as Trevor Kelley. Mike Shawaryn is a starter but you could add him into the bullpen as well.
Steven Wright should be healthy next year as well. Robby Scott has been effective in the Majors before. Chandler Shepherd and Marcus Walden are also on the 40-man roster and could be given a chance next year at some point.
Then, of course, there’s uber-prospect Durbin Feltman who will be a bullpen staple in no time.
The bottom line is that the Red Sox traded for a position they already had strong minor league depth in. They did so by trading an extremely intriguing player in Esteban Quiroz who is at a position ravaged by injuries and old age for Boston.
Brewer definitely has potential and a fantastic nickname (Brewski). Aside from an untouchable run in Advanced-A and Double-A in 2017 though, he’s been underwhelming. Giving up Quiroz for him doesn’t sit right with me at the moment. Especially considering the positional needs of the Red Sox.
Let’s hope Brewer can build off the positive portions of his last two seasons and become a dependable bullpen arm in the future. Otherwise, I don’t think this trade will work out well for Boston.