The Boston Red Sox have experienced a myriad of issues throughout the first chunk of the 2025 MLB season; however, relief pitching hasn't been one of those issues. The Red Sox enter Thursday's action with the eighth-best bullpen ERA (3.51) in the Majors, which is impressive considering that relievers like Chris Murphy, Justin Slaten, and Josh Winckowski are currently on the injured list.
Although it's great to see Boston's bullpen thriving in 2025, it never hurts to try to get better. That's why the Red Sox acquired a veteran relief pitcher while fans were sleeping Wednesday night.
Red Sox Acquire RHP Jorge Alcala From Twins in Overnight Trade
Following Wednesday night's 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox announced they have acquired right-handed reliever Jorge Alcala from the Minnesota Twins, sending minor-league infielder/outfielder Andy Lugo back the other way.
In a corresponding move, Boston designated RHP Brian Van Belle two days after his contract was selected.
After a first glance, some Red Sox fans might wonder why the club traded for Alcala. The 29-year-old hurler has been one of the most disappointing relievers in all of baseball this season, going 0-2 with an 8.88 ERA and 1.808 WHIP in 22 appearances with the Twins this season. That includes allowing eight earned runs and two homers in his last two appearances alone.
Having said that, Boston is likely hoping that a change of scenery will lead to Alcala returning to his 2024 form.
Last season, the Dominican righty notched a career-high four victories as he pitched to a 3.24 ERA in 54 outings. He limited opposing batters to only 6.2 hits per nine innings while picking up 58 strikeouts in 58 1/3 frames of work. If that's the player who shows up in a Red Sox uniform, Alex Cora & Co. certainly won't have any complaints.
With the Red Sox having Thursday off, Alcala could make his club debut against the rival New York Yankees on Friday. Fortunately, he's pitched well against the Bronx Bombers throughout his career, tallying five strikeouts and a 3.60 ERA in four games pitched against New York, which includes three scoreless outings.
Alcala has proven to be a reliable arm in the past, and it's up to him to show that he can still be that type of reliever. After all, the Red Sox need all the help they can get to improve their odds of making the 2025 MLB playoffs, which only sit at +260 on FanDuel Sportsbook — an implied probability of only 27.8%.
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