The Boston Red Sox may have some extra extra bullpen depth coming to the group within the very close to future.
Right-handed pitcher Angel Bastardo was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays within the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, however did not make the membership out of camp this spring after lacking all the 2025 season due to harm. With that being stated, there’s an opportunity that he could possibly be returned to Boston. MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo dropped an replace on Bastardo and famous that his standing is presently up within the air as a result of the 2 sides may work out a commerce to maintain him in Toronto.
“Right-hander Angel Bastardo, who the Blue Jays took from the Red Sox in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, did not crack Toronto’s Opening Day roster and is therefore a candidate to be returned to Boston,” Cotillo wrote. “The 23-year-old missed all of last season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and therefore would have had to spend 90 days on Toronto’s active roster to be retained by the Jays. … Bastardo, who reached Double-A Portland in both 2023 and 2024, was ranked the No. 27 prospect in Boston’s system by Baseball America last winter. …
“Bastardo is presently on waivers, and if he clears, the Blue Jays may have to supply him again to the Red Sox for a marginal price. The groups also can work out a minor commerce if Toronto desires to maintain Bastardo. As of Friday, Bastardo’s standing stays ‘TBD.'”
Breaking Down Angel Bastardo Update
So, like Cotillo said, Bastardo would have to be offered to Boston for a fee if he is not claimed off waivers because he did not make the Blue Jays’ roster out of camp. Last year didn’t count because he was injured, but now he is healthy. Bastardo was selected with the No. 6 pick in the Major League Baseball portion of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by Toronto but missed the entire season. He pitched five seasons down in the minors in Boston’s farm system and had a 4.76 ERA in 78 total appearances, including 76 starts.
This spring, he made seven appearances for Toronto, all out of the bullpen and had a 4.70 ERA in 7 2/3 innings pitched. So, to sum up where things are: if he is not claimed on waivers, he will be offered back to Boston with a fee. Boston doesn’t have to accept, but could, like what happened when it brought Noah Song back from the Philadelphia Phillies a few years ago. The Red Sox and Blue Jays could also work out a deal, as Cotillo said.
If he clears waivers, the Red Sox arguably ought to deliver him again for bullpen depth on the prime of the minors. He’s simply 23 years outdated and clearly confirmed one thing earlier than getting harm, or else the Blue Jays would not have taken him within the MLB section of the Rule 5 Draft. The harm was unlucky, however there may be nonetheless an upside.
