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Rival's Roster Move Gifts Red Sox Pitching Prospect
23 Mar
Summary
- Blue Jays cut pitcher Angel Bastardo, who must be offered back to Red Sox.
- Bastardo returns after Tommy John surgery, improving organizational depth.
- He possesses a strong changeup and fastball, with potential for MLB contribution.
The Boston Red Sox may have secured an advantage from a rival team's decision regarding pitcher Angel Bastardo. The Toronto Blue Jays recently informed the 23-year-old right-hander that he would not be part of their season-opening roster.
Bastardo's release was not entirely unexpected given his inconsistent spring training performance. However, due to his selection in the Rule 5 Draft two winters ago and subsequent recovery from Tommy John surgery, the Blue Jays must now offer him back to the Red Sox.
This situation presents an opportunity for the Red Sox to reacquire a player who could be close to major league readiness. The Blue Jays' only option to retain Bastardo would be to trade for him, a move that seems less likely if he wasn't initially deemed roster-worthy.
Bastardo, originally signed by the Red Sox in 2018, exhibits promising potential. His changeup is considered a plus pitch, and his fastball can reach approximately 98 mph, maintaining velocity at the top of the strike zone. He last pitched in Double-A in 2024 before his surgery, where he posted a 5.36 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings.
