It hasn't been the best week for fans of the Boston Red Sox. The Rafael Devers trade shocked many, and it doesn't look like we're going to be done hearing stories, quotes, and more on the saga.
One thing that has upset people about the Devers deal is that they felt Boston could have received a greater return. It certainly doesn't help to see the players they shipped to the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet continue turning heads.
Kyle Teel recently made his major league debut and has been doing okay. Chase Meidroth is who we expected. He's going to be a very solid MLB bat for a long time. Meanwhile, Braden Montgomery has put up fantastic numbers between Single-A and High-A.
The last piece of the deal was Wikelman Gonzalez. Gonzalez started the year in Double-A, where he put up fine numbers (but nothing over the top). The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher moved up to Triple-A at the end of April. There, he has been converted to a reliever. On June 20, the White Sox called him up to make his big league debut, according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central.
White Sox to promote Wikelman Gonzalez, former Red Sox prospect from Garrett Crochet trade
The Chicago White Sox are calling up RHP Wikelman González to the majors.
— Chase Ford (@_chaseford) June 20, 2025
González had a 2.75 ERA along with 18 strikeouts in 19.2 innings for the Charlotte Knights.#WhiteSox
Gonzalez has a 2.75 ERA, .138 BAA, and 1.22 WHIP in 12 appearances in Triple-A. He's posted 18 strikeouts compared to 15 walks in 19 2/3 innings. The walks have always been an issue for Gonzalez. However, he continues to rack up strikeouts while minimizing damage by barely surrendering hits (nine since being promoted to Charlotte). Gonzalez has also limited damage this season by now allowing a single home run in 36 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
It appears Chicago is going to use him as a reliever. That could be a smart move, as the walks might be a lesser issue if he's used in short bursts.
Red Sox fans might have a tough time seeing the return Boston received for Crochet impressing (mostly in the majors) in Chicago, especially considering their distaste for the Devers return.
It's important to remember that Boston got Crochet, though. He's locked into being the ace of the rotation for years, and he's already performing better than anyone could've imagined in year one. Yes, the Red Sox gave up a lot to get him, but he's been more than worth it.
Hopefully, Gonzalez will have a long and successful major league career. Just because he's not in the system anymore doesn't mean he wasn't once an exciting prospect for the Red Sox.