The recent signing of Walker Buehler significantly strengthened the Boston Red Sox’s rotation. However, this move required the team to make some adjustments to their 40-man roster as more additions were anticipated.
On Christmas Eve, the Red Sox took a step to create space by trading catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper to the Minnesota Twins. In exchange, they received left-handed reliever Jovani Moran.
Gasper, who was previously drafted by the New York Yankees, joined the Red Sox last offseason to add depth at the catcher position. During his time with Boston, he played 13 games and recorded just 1 hit in 18 at-bats. He will now serve as a Triple-A and emergency catcher for the Twins.
Per the source:
Per source:
The Boston Red Sox have traded Mickey Gasper to the Minnesota Twins for minor league left-handed pitcher Jovani Moran
— Hunter Noll (@Hunter_Noll) December 24, 2024
In this deal, the Red Sox sent catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper to the Twins and acquired left-handed reliever Jovani Moran in return.
Moran had a stellar 2022 season with the Twins, posting impressive stats across 31 games, including a 2.21 ERA, a .172 BAA, and a 1.06 WHIP. He also struck out 54 batters while walking just 18 in 40 2/3 innings. However, Moran faced challenges in 2023, finishing with a 5.31 ERA, a .226 BAA, and a 1.46 WHIP over 42 1/3 innings. He didn’t pitch in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Despite these ups and downs, he boasts an elite changeup and good FIP, making him a potentially valuable left-handed relief option that the Red Sox can stash in Triple-A without occupying a 40-man roster spot for now.
Moran could be a great reclamation project for Boston. With the help of pitching coach Andrew Bailey, he may find a way to regain his past form.
As for Gasper, he was a Rule 5 selection by the Red Sox in 2023 and had an impressive minor league season, hitting .367/.471/.592 in 48 games at Triple-A before making his MLB debut in August. Although he emerged as a pleasant surprise in 2024, his future with the organization seemed uncertain, and the likelihood of him being DFA’d to free up a roster spot was growing. Therefore, getting any return in this trade is a positive outcome for the Sox.
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