The Boston Red Sox made headlines on Wednesday when they traded for ace pitcher Garrett Crochet. However, they weren't done making moves.
Apparently, they're still interested in making a trade with the Mariners, so those winds are still blowing on Wednesday evening (though nothing is close, per the latest buzz). They also lost a couple of players in the Rule 5 Draft.
But Boston made another trade, this time with the New York Yankees. Again! This has now become an annual trend after the two sides refused to do business for decades.
The Red Sox shipped pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool space to New York for catcher Carlos Narvaez. One can guess that this is a way to replace the prospect catching depth lost when Kyle Teel was sent to Chicago for Crochet.
With their second trade of the day, the Red Sox have acquired C Carlos Narvaez from the Yankees, in exchange for prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool space.
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) December 12, 2024
Enmanuel Valdez has been DFA'd to make room on the 40-man roster.
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Red Sox News: Boston strikes trade with Yankees and clears roster spot
Rodriguez-Cruz is a right-handed pitcher who spent 2024 between Single-A and High-A. He put up good numbers (2.91 ERA, .198 BAA, and 1.20 WHIP) in 21 appearances (20 starts). ERC struck out 102 batters compared to 43 walks.
The big positive with the 21-year-old has been the boost in fastball velocity he's seen in the last year. However, there are questions about the movement of the pitch and if he has a true MLB offering.
Narvaez is a 26-year-old right-handed hitting catcher who went 3-for-13 with two walks in his Major League debut last season. He slashed .254/.370/.412 with 20 doubles, 11 home runs, and nine steals at Triple-A.
The Red Sox were in desperate need of catching depth after being forced to include Teel in the Crochet deal. Narvaez joins Connor Wong as the only two catchers currently on the 40-man roster (three, if you count Mickey Gasper). Veteran Seby Zavala is the only catcher currently on the Triple-A roster. It wouldn't be shocking if the Red Sox weren't done making additions to bolster the position.
Meanwhile, former top prospect and trade acquisition Enmanuel Valdez was designated for assignment, freeing up a 40-man roster spot. Valdez came over with Wilyer Abreu in the Christian Vazquez trade. Valdez was the big name, but it's Abreu who has turned into a star for Boston.
Valdez has struggled mightily defensively at second base. He's shown potential and power offensively. However, the left-handed hitter has been maddeningly inconsistent and can't seem to get things going.
Barring a big move, Narvaez will enter Spring Training with a shot to make the Opening Day roster. The Red Sox filled a void by trading from a position of strength (pitching in the lower levels of the minor leagues) as they look to start anew in 2025.