Red Sox News Roundup: Pitching coach found, Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, 40-man roster set, minor moves

Red Sox sign Helcris Olivarez to minor league deal

The Red Sox have signed 23-year-old left-handed pitcher Helcris Olivarez to a minor league contract. Olivarez is a former top Rockies prospect who missed all of 2023 with shoulder issues. When healthy, he was capable of hitting 100 mph with his fastball. However, most of his production with Colorado came at the Rookie level. He tossed less than 100 innings at High-A, totaling a 6.28 ERA, .328 BABIP, and 6.14 BB/9.

Breslow comes from a Cubs front office that invested significant resources into landing hard-throwing pitching prospects, and it looks like he is bringing that approach with him to Boston.

Even if Olivarez can rebound post-injury, he faces a lengthy return to reach the majors. However, significant upside exists.

Logan Gillaspie claimed off waivers by Padres

The Padres claimed right-handed pitcher Logan Gillaspie off waivers from the Red Sox. The former undrafted free agent started his career with Baltimore and progressed through the Orioles’ system, logging big-league innings in 2022 and 2023. He owns a 4.10 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 2.25 K/BB through 28 relief appearances in the majors.

Gillaspie was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox in September. The club assigned him to Worcester where he struck out four batters through 4.1 scoreless innings. He’ll compete for an MLB roster spot with the Padres during spring training.