Red Sox News: Mitch Moreland traded to San Diego Padres

The Boston Red Sox have traded Mitch Moreland to the Padres.

The Boston Red Sox continued their trading ways with lefty hitting Mitch Moreland traveling cross country to be a San Diego Padre.

Moreland, 34-years-old and signed through 2021, brought two prospects in return. Let’s take a look at the return with both ranked among the Padres top 30 by Baseball America.

Hudson Potts was a first-round pick by the Padres (2016) and brings solid right-hand power potential into the Red Sox depleted system. Potts had adjustment issues with Amarillo (AA) in 2019, hitting just .227 and racking up 127 whiffs. That continued in the Arizona Fall League with just a .182 average for Peoria in 13 games.

“Hudson Potts is primarily a third baseman, although he did see some time at second base last summer as well,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. “A big, physical kid with a lot of power and a good arm. Really good tools. A chance particularly as he continues to develop his approach that he could be a real asset with the bat and also be able to play multiple positions.”  – Mass Live

Next up is Jeisson Rosario, a soon to be 21-year-old international signing from the Dominican Republic. Rosario hit .242 for the Padres high-A team in 2019 and is considered an excellent defender and excellent plate discipline.

“Jeisson Rosario is a top-flight athlete who profiles as a true center fielder and a true leadoff hitter,” Bloom said. “Plus, plus runner. Again, really good athlete. Very good ability in the outfield. Has a really advanced feel for the strike zone at a young age. And we’re excited to see how he develops as he grows and adds strength. But he’s got the upside to play center every day and hit at the top of the lineup.” – Mass Live

The Padres were hemmed in with both Potts and Rosario being possible Rule V players unless added to the 40-man roster.

Moreland was having a typical Moreland season hitting eight home runs and batting .328. Moreland is expected to be utilized significantly as a DH since the Padres have $21 MM Eric Hosmer at first base. The loss of Moreland would also have a $3 MM in savings for the Red Sox in 2021 – Moreland was a bargain at that price.

The Red Sox made room in the Player Pool for the two new bodies by releasing Marco Hernandez and in a corresponding move promoted power prospect Bobby Dalbec to the big club.