In 1-for-1 Deal, Red Sox Acquire Promising Lefty Prospect in Pitching Swap with Nationals

The Boston Red Sox have continued their efforts to bolster their pitching staff, executing a 1-for-1 trade with the Washington Nationals that brings in a highly-regarded left-handed prospect. In exchange for right-hander Luis Perales, the Red Sox sent Jake Bennett to the Nationals, as announced on Monday.

Details

Jake Bennett, a 25-year-old lefty, was ranked as the Nationals’ No. 18 prospect by The Athletic’s Keith Law. The 6-foot-6 athlete has a projectable frame and elite extension, characteristics that align with the Red Sox’s preferred pitching prototype. Bennett’s impressive statistics from last season, including a 2.27 ERA and 64 strikeouts across 19 games (18 starts), make him an exciting addition to the Red Sox’s minor league system.

Background on the Trade

Perales, a 22-year-old right-hander, was one of the Red Sox’s top pitching prospects, along with Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. Despite coming off his own Tommy John procedure, Perales was expected to contribute to the Red Sox’s back-end pitching depth. However, his struggles with command in the Arizona Fall League, issuing 11 walks in 11 1/3 innings, may have contributed to the trade.

Red Sox’s Pitching Infrastructure

The Red Sox’s acquisition of Bennett continues their trend of raising the floor of their pitching group. Last month, the club acquired Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and followed it up with a separate trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Johan Oviedo and two prospects. This move demonstrates the Red Sox’s commitment to building a strong pitching infrastructure.

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