After a breakout 2024 season, the Boston Red Sox traded then-32 year old reliever Cam Booser to the Chicago White Sox. The rookie posted a surprisingly good season after an up-and-down road to the big leagues, at times marred by injury, but Boston traded him to open up a roster spot for the non-tendered Patrick Sandoval.
Booser posted a 5.52 ERA with a 1.516 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, 19 walks and one save over 31 innings with the White Sox. Ahead of the November 21 non-tender deadline, the White Sox announced that they will not extend Booser a contract for the 2026 season, making him a free agent.
Boston easily won the Booser trade, as he only lasted one year in Chicago and the Red Sox got a top pitching prospect in return. Nineteen-year-old Yhioker Fajardo posted a 2.25 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 83 strikeouts and 27 walks over 72 innings between rookie ball and High-A in 2025. HIs outstanding season earned him the No. 9 spot on Baseball America's top 10 Red Sox prospects list (he ranks 25th according to MLB Pipeline).
Now, the Red Sox have an opportunity to take the trade full-circle. Boston could re-sign Booser on a minor league deal for 2026, as if it never traded him, and still keep Fajardo after a breakout year.
Red Sox could reunite with White Sox non-tender and 2024 trade piece, Cam Booser
The Red Sox on November 18 traded three relievers, including two lefties, to make room for Rule 5 Draft-eligible prospects on their 40-man roster. Brennan Bernardino was a key innings-eater for the Sox throughout the season and Chris Murphy clocked 34.2 innings of work after his debut in late July.
Booser didn't have a great 2025 season with the White Sox, but if the Red Sox are able to help him find his rookie form, a reunion would be worth it. Booser logged a 3.38 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 16 walks over 42.2 innings. Booser still has two minor league options available, whice make him an easy and flexible addition back into Boston's bullpen plans.
Booser was also a key storyline in the Red Sox's 2024 docuseries with Netflix, and his journey to the major leagues has served as an inspiration for many baseball fans around the country. It would be nice to see the Red Sox give him a chance to run it back in Boston, especially since he suits its bullpen needs.