The trade for Nathan Eovaldi
Another work of magic from the Red Sox front office team. Through his career Nathan Eovaldi had bounced back and forth between the National League and the American League, spending time in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and finally Boston. He was consistent but never seemed to reach the potential that was set upon him.
He would also have to endure two Tommy John surgeries through his professional career. A team in desperate need of pitching, Dombrowski sought out Eovaldi and got him during the trade window. Something clicked for Nathan in Boston and much like Pearce, he won everyone over. Again, similar to Pearce, it was an outing against the Yankees where Eovaldi was dominant, that secured his spot with the fans.
Eovaldi would continue to have a strong second half of the season with Boston posting a 3-3 record and 3.33 ERA. The legend of “Nasty Nate” however was born in the postseason. Once the calendar flipped to October it’s like Eovaldi was a different pitcher. He was unhittable, he was throwing nothing but fire and he had a bottomless gas tank. He would start one game and then tell AC to put him in the bullpen the next night and use him when necessary.
His performance in game 3 of the World Series was something of a legend. He came in during the 12th inning and go on to pitch until the end of the game in the 18th. 97 pitches when he was supposed to start the next day. He didn’t flinch, he didn’t complain, he knew what his job was and he went and did it. The performance was so heartfelt that after Eovaldi gave up the game-ending home-run, Rick Porcello broke down into tears. Just amazing.
Nasty Nate would get rewarded for his undying support to this team with a brand new four-year $68 million agreement. I don’t think there is anyone in Boston who would complain about that.