Red Sox get reliever Morán in trade with Twins
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On Tuesday, the Red Sox acquired left-handed pitcher Jovani Morán from the Twins and sent catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper to Minnesota.
The 27-year-old Morán posted a 4.15 ERA with 112 strikeouts across 91 innings with the Twins from 2021-23. Morán underwent Tommy John surgery in November 2023 and subsequently missed the entire 2024 season. Boston’s 40-man roster is now at 39 after acquiring Morán.
From 2022-23, Morán was one of the top left-handed relievers at generating strikeouts. Among lefty relievers with at least 50 innings pitched, Morán’s 29.3 percent strikeout rate ranked 12th best. That strong strikeout rate did come with a 12.9 percent walk rate, which was tied for fourth worst among left-handed relievers.
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Gasper, 29, made his Major League debut in 2024 for the Red Sox, going hitless in 18 at-bats across 13 games. However, Gasper was quite good in 92 Minor League games with Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, posting a .970 OPS with 12 home runs.
Selected by the Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 Draft, Gasper was picked by Boston in the Minor League phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. Gasper’s strong track record in the Minors and his versatility as a catcher and infielder could make him an interesting option for the Twins in 2025.