The Boston Red Sox traded for two veteran relievers on trade deadline day. One of them was in the midst of his seventh season with his former squad.
Until July 30, Lucas Sims was the longest-tenured Cincinnati Red. The righty was overcome with emotion as he discussed his departure from his former club.
“I’m a little sad but also very excited to join such a storied franchise like Boston and go there and help them win ballgames and try to win a ring,” Sims said to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. “I’m going to miss a lot of people here.”
Sims is on an expiring contract and he's just one of the impending free agents the Reds dealt before the trade deadline. They also dished Austin Slater to the Orioles to get a return on the two departing players.
Red Sox new reliever Lucas Sims gave an emotional interview as he departed Reds organization
Lucas Sims had an honest and emotional reaction after the trade from the Reds earlier today.
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) July 31, 2024
Sims was the longest-tenured Cincinnati Red and appeared in 210 games over seven seasons with the club.
He recorded 19 wins and 12 saves with Cincinnati. @LSims_ | @Reds pic.twitter.com/gfPdyeF7u1
Sims wasn't all upset about his trade to the Sox, though. The veteran mentioned that Fenway Park is one of his favorite places to play and that he was excited to move to a contending team.
“With the sad, comes the excitement. It’s nice to feel wanted. Another organization wants you and thinks I can come and help them win a ring,” Sims said. “With that being said, I’m very excited about this opportunity and meeting a bunch of new teammates."
Sims made his Red Sox debut in relief of Brayan Bello on July 31 and made a good impression on his new teammates. He entered the game with one out and runners on the corners in the seventh frame. He collected a flyout and Wilyer Abreu held the runner at third, then he issued a walk to load the bases, but got out of the jam unscathed with a groundout.