Patrick Sandoval Agrees to Two-Year, $18.25 Million Contract with Boston Red Sox

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Patrick Sandoval is seeing red (sox)…

The 28-year-old Mexican American professional baseball player, a left-handed pitcher, has agreed to a two-year, $18.25 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, per ESPN sources.

The deal unites the veteran who was non-tendered in November with a team looking to shore up its pitching depth this year and beyond.

Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery in June and is not expected to pitch until the second half of 2025.

Boston nevertheless paid a well-over-market rate to get Sandoval, cognizant of the heavy price of free agent starting pitchers this winter and hopeful that Sandoval can be a solid mid-rotation starter upon his return.

Sandoval’s estimated arbitration salary for 2025 was around $5.5 million, and rather than trade him, the Los Angeles Angels non-tendered him. Had Sandoval been offered a contract, his arbitration number for 2026 likely would have been a minimal raise because of the lack of volume due to the injury.

His free agency, however, led to significant interest among teams — and a big raise in 2026. Sandoval will make $5.5 million in 2025 and $12.75 million in 2026, sources said.

Sandoval illustrated his ceiling in 2022, when he posted a 2.91 ERA over 27 starts, throwing 148⅔ innings, striking out 151 and walking 60. He followed with 28 starts and a 4.11 ERA in 2023 but struggled last season with a 5.08 ERA in 16 starts before needing the surgery for elbow ligament replacement.

Boston, seeking starting pitching help this winter, swung a trade for ace Garrett Crochet with the Chicago White Sox. Like Sandoval, he will hit free agency again after 2026. Others in the Red Sox’s rotation mix next season include right-handers Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford.

Also invited to spring training are catcher Seby Zavala, infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton and righties Isaiah Campbell, Bryan Mata and Wyatt Mills. Mata was Boston’s top pitching prospect before missing most of 2023 with an injury.

Luis Garcia Traded to Boston Red Sox

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Garcia is seeing Red (Sox)…

The 27-year-old Venezuelan professional baseball right-handed pitcher has been traded to the Boston Red Sox from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline on Tuesday.

Garcia’s trade came immediately after the team acquired right-hander Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Red Sox sent minor league right-hander Ovis Portes to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Sims and sent four minor league players to the Angels in exchange for Garcia: infielder/outfielder Matthew Lugo, first baseman Niko Kavadas and right-handed pitchers Ryan Zeferjahn and Yeferson Vargas.

Garcia was 5-1 with a 3.71 ERA in 45 relief appearances in his first season with the Angels after signing a one-year, $4.25 million deal in December.

He is 26-28 with a 4.02 ERA in 530 career appearances (four starts) in 12 seasons for five teams.

Lugo, 23, was Boston’s No. 17 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, drafted in the second round in 2019. The nephew of nine-time MLB All-Star Carlos Beltran, Lugo was batting .285 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs in 78 games in Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester this season.

Kavadas, 25, hit .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 83 games this season at Worcester.

Zeferjahn, 26, was 1-3 with a 3.52 ERA in 25 games (one start) with Portland and Worcester this year.

Vargas, a 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic, was 4-2 with a 3.03 ERA in 11 games (4 starts) with the Red Sox farm teams in the Florida Complex League and Single-A Salem.

Sims, 30, went 1-4 with a 3.57 ERA and one save in 43 appearances out of the Cincinnati bullpen this season. The right-hander struck out 40 batters and walked 20 in 35⅓ innings.

Sims owns a career record of 22-17 with a 4.41 ERA and 12 saves in 230 games (14 starts) with the Atlanta Braves (2017-18) and Reds.

Portes, 19, was in his second season with the Boston organization. He went 2-1 with a 2.12 ERA and two saves in 11 games (five starts) between Class-A Salem and the Florida Complex League.

The Red Sox designated left-hander Brandon Walter, 27, for assignment to make room for Sims on the 40-man roster.

Alex Cora Agrees to Three-Year Contract Extension with Boston Red Sox

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Alex Cora is staying the Red…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican MLB baseball manager and former infielder has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Boston Red Sox that’ll make him the second highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball.

The deal to end his lame-duck status will keep him in Boston for a total of $21.75 million, per ESPN.

Cora has helped shepherd the Red Sox to a surprising 54-47 record through Wednesday.

Boston trails the Kansas City Royals (56-46) by 1.5 games for the final American League wild-card spot prior to the Royals’ game Wednesday night.

“I had a tremendous amount of respect for Alex long before I took this job; that respect has only grown these last several months,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said in a statement. “He is an incredible people connector, something I have enjoyed watching firsthand. He has embraced Boston’s passionate fans and we share a desire to win as much as they do, both in 2024 and in the future.

“I’m happy to be able to extend our commitment to Alex, and I look forward to our partnership continuing to grow.”

Cora’s deal was set to expire after this season, his sixth as Red Sox manager.

“What this organization means to us is the world,” Cora said Wednesday. “They trusted me from day one, they doubled down on me in ’21 after everything that happened in ’17. There were a lot of conversations in the offseason, and I just want to be happy and comfortable.”

Coming off back-to-back 78-84 seasons and last-place finishes in the American League East, the Red Sox have thrived despite carrying their lowest Opening Day payroll in a decade at just over $170 million. The steady production of star third baseman Rafael Devers and emergence of center fielder Jarren Duran and starter Tanner Houck have thrust the Red Sox into the playoff picture, and with a core of young position players nearing the big leagues, Boston’s future is on the upswing.

Whether that future would include Cora was a question that has hung over the organization all season. Regarded as one of the game’s best managers, Cora has left Boston before — after he was fired prior to the 2020 season following the revelation of his prominent role in the Houston Astros‘ 2017 sign-stealing scheme.

Boston re-hired Cora in 2021, turning back to the manager who had won a World Series with the Red Sox in his first season as manager in 2018. The Red Sox made a surprising run to the American League Championship Series (ALCS ) in 2021 but the team has been turned over almost entirely since then, and their two big free agent signings — shortstop Trevor Story and outfielder Masataka Yoshida — have been injured and disappointing, respectively.

The deal keeps Cora from hitting free agency a year after Craig Counsell‘s contract with the Milwaukee Brewers expired and he joined the Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $40 million contract.

Cora said in March he didn’t expect talks on an extension to continue during the season. But he said Wednesday discussions had been ongoing recently with Breslow.

“Sometimes I put an act on for (the media),” Cora said with a chuckle. “I was actually telling the truth. We’ve been talking for a few weeks and the relationship between me and Craig has grown the last six, seventh months.”

Cora said his wife, Nilda, and their children are happy living in Boston.

“I promise you, this decision was more based on the comfort of my family than my professional career,” he said.

Adrian Beltre Officially Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Adrian Beltre is officially a Hall of Famer…

The 45-year-old Dominican former professional baseball third baseman and Texas Rangers great was officially welcomed into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday during the annual induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center.

Beltre, who finished his 21-year career with 3,166 hits and five Gold Gloves at third base, was enshrined along with Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer and Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, the latter pair becoming baseball’s newest one-team Hall of Famers. That puts the Hall’s membership at 273 among those who entered as players.

Also inducted was longtime manager Jim Leyland, who piloted four teams, including the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins. Leyland represented the Detroit Tigers, whom he managed from 2006 to 2013 and led to a pair of American League pennants.

Beltre struck a playful tone with many of his remarks, which he said were “maybe 25%” improvised. He was perhaps buoyed by Hall of Famer David Ortiz, who approached Beltre on stage and patted him on the head. Beltre is famously averse to having his head touched.

“That never relaxes me,” Beltre said. “But it was a little c,ue to go back to the days when I was playing, and it’s like ‘OK, get ready to go out there and do your best with the speech.'”

Beltre, who played with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Rangers, is one of only two players to have over 3,000 hits, 400 homers and at least five Gold Gloves. The other was Willie Mays, who was recognized before the speeches, along with the other Hall of Famers who died since last year’s induction: Whitey Herzog, Brooks Robinson and Orlando Cepeda.

Beltre is the fifth player born in the Dominican Republic to be enshrined, the last being Ortiz — a member of the 2022 Hall class. As with Ortiz, there was a sizable contingent of Dominican fans on hand, along with a strong turnout of Texas fans.

While acknowledging some of his former teammates, Beltre cited retired ace “King Felix” Hernandez, whom he played with in Seattle.

“To that guy who call himself ‘King,'” Beltre said. “I loved [playing] with you. But I loved hitting against you even more.”

The 2½-hour event unfolded under pleasant skies in Cooperstown, a welcome respite for an event that has often taken place in broiling conditions.

Jose Miranda Sets Minnesota Twins Team Record for Consecutive Hits

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Jose Miranda has broken a long-standing Twins record…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins set a team record on Friday night with hits in 10 consecutive plate appearances.

Miranda eclipsed the mark of nine hits in a row set by Tony Oliva in 1967 and matched by Mickey Hatcher in 1985 and Todd Walker in 1998. Oliva still spends time with Twins players throughout the season, lending extra meaning to the accomplishment, according to Miranda.

“I talk to him a lot. It means a lot,” Miranda said. “You know, he’s a Hall of Famer, so you break a Hall of Famer’s record, it’s something pretty cool, I think.”

The major league record for consecutive hits is 12, by Detroit Tigers‘ Walt Dropo (1952), Boston Red Sox‘s Pinky Higgins (1938) and the Chicago Cubs‘ Johnny Kling (1902).

Miranda entered the game against the Houston Astros — a 13-12 loss — with hits in six straight trips to the plate and had hits in each of his four times up before he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

“I’ll come to the field tomorrow, do my stuff in the cage, get ready for the game, get ready for the pitcher I’m facing tomorrow,” Miranda said. “Then … you take it pitch by pitch and try to have a good at-bat.”

Miranda finished 4-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. He was batting .296 entering Wednesday night’s game when the streak began and has raised his average to .324.

He singled in the second inning and hit a 414-foot homer to left field in the third. Miranda tied the Twins’ record of nine straight hits with a two-run double in the fifth. He had his 10th straight hit — a single to right field — in the seventh.

With the Twins trailing 13-5 in the ninth, Austin Martin hit for Miranda and singled.

Thyago Vieira Acquired by Arizona Diamondbacks

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Thyago Vieira is headed to the Grand Canyon State.

The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed the 31-year-old Brazilian right-handed pitcher off waivers on Thursday following his one-game stint with the Baltimore Orioles.

Vieira was designated for assignment on Monday by the Orioles, who acquired him and minor league pitcher Aneuris Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers on May 25 for minor league right-hander Garrett Stallings.

Vieira’s lone appearance for the Orioles was May 27, when he didn’t retire a batter while allowing a triple, four walks and three runs in an 11-3 victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox.

The Brewers designated him for assignment on May 20 after he recorded one save with a 5.64 ERA, 13 walks and 25 strikeouts in 22⅓ innings over 16 relief appearances.

In parts of five seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2017), Chicago White Sox (2018-19), Brewers (2023-24) and Orioles, Vieira is 2-2 with two saves, a 6.71 ERA, 32 walks and 51 strikeouts in 51 innings over 42 relief appearances.

Kiké Hernández Agrees to One-Year, $4 Million Contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Kiké Hernández isn’t dodging his future…

The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican super utility man on a one-year, $4 million contract.

Hernández, who emerged during a six-year stint with the Dodgers and returned to Los Angeles in a trade last July, had considered a number of other teams before a recent team trade paved the way for another stretch with the Dodgers.

He’s expected to garner most of his playing time against left-handed pitchers, with Los Angeles’ primary shortstop, Gavin Lux, and center fielder, James Outman, both left-handed hitters.

Hernández underwent double hernia surgery in the offseason but is expected to be ready around opening day.

Hernández hit .262/.308/.423 in 54 games with the Dodgers last year, more in line with his career numbers than his .222/.279/.320 line with the Minnesota Twins and .222/.291/.338 showing in an injury-pocked 2022 with Boston Red Sox.

Max Castillo Claimed by Philadelphia Phillies Off Waivers from Boston Red Sox

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Max Castillo is Philadelphia bound.

The 24-year-old Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher has been claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.

In a corresponding move, the Phillies designated outfielder Simon Muzziotti, 25, for assignment on Wednesday.

Castillo, 24, was 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA in 20 1/3 innings over seven relief appearances with the Kansas City Royals last season.

The Venezuela native made his major league debut in June 2022 with the Toronto Blue Jays before a trade to the Royals in August 2022.

For his career, Castillo is 0-3 with a 5.43 ERA, 47 strikeouts and 24 walks in 59 2/3 innings over 21 games (six starts).

Boston had claimed him off waivers from Kansas City on January 2 then designated him for assignment on February 2 when catcher Tyler Heineman was acquired from the New York Mets.

Christian Arroyo Agrees to Minor League Deal with Milwaukee Brewers

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Things are brewing for Christian Arroyo.

The 28-year-old half-Puerto Rican professional baseball player has agreed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers that includes an invitation to major league spring training.

An infielder, Arroyo hit .241 with a .268 on-base percentage, 3 homers and 24 RBIs in 66 games for the Boston Red Soxlast season. He played primarily second base but also made appearances at shortstop and third base.

He also has big league experience at first base and right field.

Arroyo has a .252 batting average, a .299 on-base percentage, 24 homers and 120 RBIs in 295 regular-season games. He has played for San Francisco (2017), Tampa Bay (2018-19), Cleveland (2020) and Boston (2020-23).

Eduardo Rodriguez Agrees to Four-Year Deal with Arizona Diamondbacks

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Eduardo Rodriguez is heading to The Copper State.

The 30-year-old Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher, nicknamed “E-Rod,” has agreed to a four-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks valued at around $20 million a year, according to ESPN.

The deal is pending a physical.

The left-handed starter opted out of the final three years of his deal with the Detroit Tigers after going 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 152⅔ innings. He was expected to be moved at the trade deadline this year but invoked his no-trade clause to kill an agreed-upon deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rodriguez gives the National League champion Diamondbacks another quality starter for their rotation that includes NL Cy Young Award finalist Zac Gallen, veteran Merrill Kelly and youngsters like righty Brandon Pfaadt and lefty Tommy Henry.

During their recent run to the World Series, Arizona only had three true starting pitchers, using the bullpen to get through Game 4 of the NL Championship Series and the World Series.

At his best, Rodriguez offers a polished four-pitch mix he controls well and uses to generate strikeouts. Over his eight-year career, he has punched out more than a batter an inning, and his ability to limit home runs prompted the Tigers to lavish a five-year, $77 million deal on him after he reached free agency following six seasons with the Boston Red Sox.

Rodriguez missed almost half of his first season with Detroit in 2022 while dealing with marital issues. He was looking like a surefire All-Star this year until a ruptured pulley in his left index finger caused him to miss all of June. Rodriguez wasn’t nearly as effective after he returned, posting a 4.24 ERA over 15 starts and 85 innings as compared to a 2.13 ERA in 11 starts and 67⅔ innings before the injury.

He opted out anyway, forgoing the final three years and $49 million on his deal to hit free agency once again.

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