The Boston Red Sox's latest trade may bring the team more depth at first base in the wake of Romy González's recent setback in his recovery from a quad contusion.
The Red Sox have traded for infielder/outfielder Ryan Noda from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash. Boston has moved Masataka Yoshida to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man roster spot for Noda. Since Yoshida has been on the IL since Opening Day, moving him to the 60-day IL does nothing to affect his timeline, as he's already been on the sidelines for around 50 days.
Noda, 29, was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2017 and traded to the Dodgers organization in 2021. He never appeared in the big leagues for the Dodgers, as the A's selected him in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. He later made Oakland's Opening Day roster, and slashed .229/.364/.406 over 128 games last year. He worked 77 walks to lead all rookies that season.
Noda has not appeared in the big leagues this season, and the Red Sox optioned him to Triple-A Worcester to begin his tenure there. He batted .148/.364/.270 with 31 walks and 53 strikeouts over 38 games with Triple-A Salt Lake this year.
Red Sox trade for first base depth in Ryan Noda, former Dodgers prospect, A's rookie
Noda is primarily a first baseman, but has experience in all three outfield spots and designated hitter. Since Triston Casas' season-ending injury on May 3, the Red Sox have used González, Abraham Toro and Nick Sogard at the corner. Sogard has done well defensively, with one error in 72.2 innings and some flashy plays under his belt. Noda has much more experience at first base in the big leagues, though, with 1,157 innings there in his two seasons with the A's.
Noda hasn't hit well this year and his bat certainly won't help the Red Sox break free from their offensive woes and strikeout troubles. But if he hits his stride in Triple-A, he could be another valuable backup option at first base in Casas' prolonged absence.