Red Sox claim Joel Payamps off waivers from Diamondbacks

The Red Sox have made their first addition to the 40-man roster from outside the organization of the offseason, and to no one’s surprise it was a pitcher. It was not, however, a free agent or a trade acquisition. Instead, the team announced on Wednesday that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Joel Payamps off waivers from the Diamondbacks. To make room on the 40-man roster, Robert Stock was designated for assignment. Additionally, the team announced that Ryan Weber and Matt Hall both cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A.

Payamps is, as mentioned, a right-handed pitcher who will turn 27 shortly after the 2021 season begins. He was originally signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Rockies, and after being released sign on to join the Diamondbacks organization. Having served as a starter throughout his minor-league career Payamps made his major-league debut out of the bullpen in 2019 and in total has made four appearances totaling seven innings over the lat two seasons in the majors. He does have one option remaining.

In the minors, Payamps has largely relied on control, though that hasn’t been as consistent in recent years. Back in 2019 the righty tossed 78 ²⁄₃ innings combined between Double-A and Triple-A, pitching to a 3.89 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 18 walks. Payamps largely profiles as a potential swingman who can serve as rotation depth or as long relief, similar to the kind of role Brian Johnson and Hector Velázquez have played in the past. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a player they try to sneak through waivers again later this offseason to try and keep him in the organization but off the 40-man.

As for the other players mentioned here, we’ve alluded to Stock being on the fringe of the roster before and the Red Sox will hope he can make it through waivers. The big righty pitched to a 4.73 ERA over 13 ¹⁄₃ innings this past summer with 14 strikeouts and 10 walks. Hall and Weber, meanwhile, remain in the organization and will serve as more Quad-A depth.