The trade of Rafael Devers hasn’t gone over well with fans in Boston. The Red Sox are now looking to the players coming from the Giants to help mend the wounds of this decision.
The key question is just how promising the new Red Sox players really are.
Boston has brought in one established major league starter alongside three younger prospects. The most veteran addition is 28-year-old Jordan Hicks, who has logged seven seasons in the league, with a career record of 16-33, a 1.7 WAR, 4.23 ERA, and 1.37 WHIP across stints with the Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Giants.
Beyond Hicks, the Red Sox could have some intriguing prospects.
Kyle Harrison, 23, pitcher
Harrison was chosen in the third round of the 2020 MLB draft by the Giants, coming up through their minor league system. He was the top prospect for the Giants in 2023, and notably ranked as the 18th best prospect across all of baseball.
Scouts have praised his fastball and slider as key tools in his arsenal. His minor league statistics support this acclaim, and he made his major league debut on August 22, 2023.
In four games this season (all starts), he holds a 1-1 record with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP.
James Tibbs III, 22, outfielder
Tibbs came to the Giants from Florida State, being selected 13th overall in the 2024 draft.
At the time of the trade, he was rated the fourth-best prospect in the Giants organization according to MLB rankings. Scouts note that his strength at the plate and in the outfield are his standout qualities.
Currently playing in High-A ball, he has a .245 batting average, 12 home runs, and 32 RBIs, along with an OPS of .857 while with the Eugene Emeralds.
If he keeps performing well, he could rise through the ranks quickly, with some predictions suggesting a major league debut as early as 2026.
Jose Bello, 20, pitcher
Bello, a starter, is currently at the rookie level after being signed in 2023 as an international free agent for $47,500 from the Dominican Republic.
He had a solid run in the Arizona Complex League, posting a 2.00 ERA over 18 innings. However, there’s a long road ahead before he reaches the majors.
