Red Sox trade for Nate Eovaldi

Earlier this morning I wrote a post wondering if the Red Sox would be able to find a worthwhile starting pitching target that would represent a real upgrade over their current group. My conclusion was no, so naturally the team waited about five minutes before making me look like an idiot. The Red Sox did indeed pull the trigger on a deal, acquiring Nate Eovaldi from the Rays in exchange for Triple-A lefty Jalen Beeks. Ken Rosenthal had the news first.

Eovaldi does indeed represent an upgrade over the current options. Though he’s certainly not an ace he’s come back strong this year from arm injuries to provide a steady presence in the Rays rotation.

Beeks, meanwhile, is having a strong year for Pawtucket and has of course gotten a couple of chances in the majors that have not gone so well. I’ve always been a fan of his and think he will be a good pitcher for the Rays, but Eovaldi is definitely a better bet for 2018.

Eovaldi is a rental, set to hit free agency after this season. Additionally, the Red Sox will not have to open up a 40-man spot for him since Beeks was already rostered. It’s not yet clear when he’ll make his Red Sox debut.

Anyway, I’m on the road right now but we’ll have more on this later today.