On Tuesday, the Red Sox acquired left-handed pitcher Jovani Morán from the Twins while trading catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper to Minnesota.
Morán, 27, has a 4.15 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 91 innings with the Twins from 2021 to 2023. Morán had Tommy John surgery in November 2023 and missed the whole 2024 season. After acquiring Morán, Boston’s 40-man roster now stands at 39.
Morán was a top left-handed reliever in terms of strikeouts from 2022 to 2023. Morán had the 12th highest strikeout percentage among lefty relievers with at least 50 innings pitched, at 29.3 percent. That high strikeout rate was accompanied by a 12.9 percent walk rate, which matched for fourth worst among left-handed relievers.
Gasper, 29, made his Major League debut in 2024 for the Red Sox, going hitless in 18 at-bats across 13 games. However, Gasper performed admirably in 92 Minor League games with Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, recording a.970 OPS and 12 home runs.
Gasper, who was drafted by the Yankees in the 27th round in 2018, was selected by Boston in the Minor League phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. Gasper’s outstanding Minor League track record and flexibility as a catcher and infielder make him an intriguing prospect for the Twins in 2025.
