The Boston Red Sox struck a deal with their American League East division rivals Wednesday, acquiring catcher Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees in exchange for Minor League right-handed pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (Boston's No. 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline) and international bonus pool money.
At first glance, this looks like a forgettable transaction. But upon closer examination, it appears that the Red Sox may have actually just given their arch-rivals a major leg up in their pursuit of one of the top pitching targets on the free agent market.
Red Sox may have just helped Yankees in Roki Sasaki chase with recent trade
Despite already signing Max Fried to a record-breaking contract in free agency, the Yankees have made it clear that they intend to pursue Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki. Because Sasaki is subject to the posting system, the 23-year-old has a cap on what he can earn; the way teams can win him over is with a hefty signing bonus, which has to come from its international bonus pool money.
That's what makes this seemingly minor deal with the Red Sox so significant; the international bonus pool money the Yankees just received from Boston will presumably go straight toward an offer for Sasaki. And if they win the bidding war, the Red Sox will have to suffer the consequences for the foreseeable future.
At least the Red Sox get something back in the deal. Narvaez made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2024, making four starts at catcher and going 3-for-13 (.231) in six games. He also played in 96 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, batting .254 (85-for-335) with 20 doubles, 11 home runs, and 58 RBI while making 58 starts behind the dish, 23 as the designated hitter and 12 at first base.
Narvaez wasn't going to make a major impact with the Yankees in 2025, but he could be a solid depth piece for Boston. Still, if this trade means that New York now has enough international bonus pool money to woo Sasaki, it may not have been worth it for the Red Sox.
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