The Boston Red Sox made yet another trade no one saw coming on Monday night, which seems to be their calling card recently.
MLB insider Jeff Passan broke the news on social media that Boston would send pitching prospect Luis Perales to the Washington Nationals for a different pitching prospect, Jake Bennett. The deal is a rare 1-for-1, top prospect-for-top prospect deal we don't see often in MLB.
It hurts losing Perales. He was the top pitching prospect in the system before suffering an injury in 2024 that led to Tommy John surgery. The talent was so obvious that the Red Sox pushed him to Triple-A upon his return despite just 8 1/3 innings in Double-A with the hopes he could help the major league team in the postseason.
He didn’t make his MLB debut in 2025, but it showcases the skills of Perales that Boston even considered him as a realistic option. The 22-year-old throws 100 MPH and has fantastic secondaries. He’ll likely have a long major league career.
Everything Red Sox fans need to know about Jake Bennett, Boston's newest pitching prospect
The Sox's return, the left-handed pitcher Bennett, made his minor league debut in 2023. He didn’t pitch in 2024 due to injury, but returned in a massive way in 2025.
Bennett posted a 2.27 ERA, .225 BAA, and 1.08 WHIP in 19 appearances (18 starts) between Single-A, High-A, and Double-A. He struck out 64 batters compared to 19 walks in 75 1/3 innings.
Bennett seems to fit the mold of what Craig Breslow and the Red Sox look for in pitching prospects. He's a 6’6”, 234-pound left-handed pitcher with crazy extension that helps his low-to-mid 90s fastball get on hitters much quicker. He also features a solid slider and a fantastic changeup.
Bennett had limited hard contact last season. He only allowed 17 extra-base hits last season (13 doubles, one triple, and three home runs). The strikeout rate wasn’t great (7.65 K/9), but he showed off good command and had encouraging whiff rates in the zone.
It feels like the Red Sox view Bennett as someone with projection that they can mold into the pitcher they want. Maybe they add velocity to his fastball (look what they did with Payton Tolle), or a new pitch could be added to his arsenal.
It’s easy to be a bit confused by this trade. Perales is younger, a higher-rated prospect, and was technically closer to the majors than Bennett. The Red Sox have made it abundantly clear that they have a vision for their pitching staff, though. And Bennett seems to fit that vision.
Don’t let your (rightful) enthusiasm for Perales cloud your view of the talent and potential of Bennett.