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The New York Yankees made a fairly low-key trade with the Boston Red Sox after the 2024 season.
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Now, with a rare exchange of talent against a fierce rival, the Yankees are reaping big rewards.
The Yankees sent catcher Carlos Narvaez to Boston, where he actually had a solid season, but New York didn’t need another catcher, so this was basically a throwaway on the Yankees’ part.
In return, the Yankees received Elmer Rodriguez.
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Rodriguez, a right-handed pitcher, is currently ranked No. 87 in all of baseball on ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel’s top 100 prospects list.
“(At the time of the trade), his Vero was already in the mid-90s, but he was still in A-ball form with below-average command,” McDaniel wrote. “After the trade, he switched to throwing primarily a sinker and adjusted his grip to get more sinkers and runs while moving the speedball closer to his four-seam; the sinker now has an above-average pitch.”
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After progressing through several levels in the minor leagues, Rodriguez could reach the majors at some point this season.
“Rodriguez’s changeup is average to above average, and he throws roughly average long, cleanup and cutter pitches in order of usage,” McDaniel wrote. “With both fastballs, Rodriguez has six average to above average pitches and plenty of starting command, throwing just 150 innings last season, including a start in Triple-A.”
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It would certainly feel very sweet for the Yankees if Rodriguez becomes a serviceable major league pitcher, especially if he can get some key outs for the Yankees at Fenway Park one day.
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For now, New York will continue to focus on developing Rodriguez into the best pitcher he can be.