The Red Sox stayed active on Christmas, completing a minor trade to bolster their roster. Boston announced the acquisition of left-handed reliever from the Twins in exchange for catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper. This deal, like Saturday’s trade that sent lefty Cam Booser to the White Sox, opens up a 40-man roster spot as the team prepares to finalize the addition of starter Walker Buehler in the coming days.
Morán, who will turn 28 in April, has logged significant big-league time with the Twins. He had a breakout season in 2022, posting a 2.21 ERA with 54 strikeouts, and has a career 4.15 ERA over 91 innings in the majors. However, his 2023 season was derailed by a 5.31 ERA over 43 games and a forearm strain that led to Tommy John surgery. After being non-tendered by the Twins, Morán re-signed with them on a minor league deal but missed all of 2024.
It’s uncertain if Morán will be ready for Opening Day, but when healthy, he’ll serve as left-handed bullpen depth for Boston. This offseason, the Red Sox have revamped their left-handed relief options, bringing in veterans Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson while trading away Booser. Morán, who has consistently posted high strikeout numbers (11.1 K/9) but struggled with control (5.1 BB/9), is likely to begin the season at Triple-A. He has proven effective against both right- and left-handed hitters during his career.
Gasper, a 29-year-old New Hampshire native and Bryant University alum, debuted with the Red Sox in 2024 but went hitless (0-for-18) with eight strikeouts and four walks. Despite his struggles in the majors, Gasper was dominant in the minors, hitting .328 with a .970 OPS across 92 games at Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. Boston’s acquisition of former Yankee Carlos Narvaez, expected to back up starter Connor Wong, diminished Gasper’s role on the depth chart. The Red Sox are still in the market for additional catching options.
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