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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
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New Triple-A Worcester pitcher Kyle Harrison excited for fresh start with the Boston Red Sox
WORCESTER — Kyle Harrison threw his first pitch in a Worcester Red Sox uniform on Saturday. The 23-year-old left-hander, who was one of four players acquired by the Boston Red Sox in the blockbuster trade that sent Rafael Devers to San Francisco, tossed roughly 50 pitches to a trio of teammates in a live practice session at Polar Park ahead of Triple-A Worcester's 10-6 loss to the Buffalo Bisons. Harrison, who hadn't pitched in a game since being dealt to the Red Sox, tried out a few new pitches — including a cutter and sinker — under the watchful eye of Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Harrison is currently working on revamping his repertoire before joining the WooSox starting rotation next week. 'Definitely a cool learning experience. (I was) able to try a couple of new pitches today and just felt good to get out there and get back in the swing of things,' said Harrison, who is from San Jose, California. 'And my body was feeling great. So excited for the next step.' Although that next step hasn't exactly been outlined yet, WooSox manager Chad Tracy said his new left-handed pitcher will find a spot in Worcester's rotation during the upcoming road trip to face Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. While Harrison served as a hybrid reliever/starter for the Giants this year, the Red Sox see the former third-round selection (No. 85 overall, 2020) of San Francisco as a starting pitcher moving forward. Hence the emphasis on improving his 'arsenal' — which features a 'unique fastball that's going to be his bread and butter,' according to Red Sox director of pitching Justin Williard. 'Really excited to build the kind of arsenal around that (fastball) making, again, that the main event,' Williard added. 'And then what are the pitches he needs to have (to be supplemental) to that fastball?' 'If he can get his secondary stuff in the zone at twice the rate he's doing it, he's going to be incredibly successful,' said Red Sox senior director of player development Brian Abraham. Harrison was already tinkering with a cutter and sinker before last week's trade. The former No. 1 prospect of the Giants felt a bit 'boxed in' with his three-pitch mix of fastball, changeup and slurve with San Francisco. 'This will give me just a chance to mix it up with hitters, not have them jump on the fastball early in counts and add a little sink or a little cut to keep them off the heater and ultimately put them away with that thing,' Harrison said. 'So it was kind of like a full-circle moment that it's going to be cool to learn and develop these pitches.' The 6-foot-2, 209-pound southpaw entered 2024 ranked by as baseball's No. 23 overall prospect. Harrison made his major league debut in 2023 (making seven starts) and then recorded 24 starts with a 4.56 ERA in 2024 for the Giants Harrison has a 4.48 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 39 career major league games (35 starts) and adds a power arm — that averaged 95.1 mph on his fastball this season and hit that mark in his pitching session on Saturday — to the Red Sox' 40-man roster. 'It's a live arm,' Tracy said. 'You can see it when he's out there. It's exciting.' 'The returns have been really good so far,' Abraham said. As Harrison looks to return to the mound for a real game in the coming week with a new organization that's located more than 3,000 miles from his hometown team, the newest WooSox pitcher is calling this a fresh start with the Red Sox. 'That's how I'm treating it — putting the past behind me but taking the stuff that I've learned. I'm going to try to apply it to my game to the best of my ability and just go out there and have fun,' Harrison said. 'So just excited. Excited to embrace this opportunity and go out there and just treat it like it's just another day of baseball. 'We're just excited to go out there and show these people what I can do,' Harrison said. —Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@ Follow him on X @tommycassell44. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Kyle Harrison excited for fresh start with Boston Red Sox organization
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox prospect landed in Rafael Devers trade roughed up in debut
The post Red Sox prospect landed in Rafael Devers trade roughed up in debut appeared first on ClutchPoints. Boston Red Sox fans hoping for an instant impact from Kyle Harrison had a reality check Thursday. The 23-year-old left-hander, acquired as the headline piece in the Rafael Devers trade, was roughed up in his debut for Triple-A Worcester, allowing four runs across just four innings. Advertisement While the box score painted a rough picture, the outing offered crucial insight into where Harrison stands developmentally. Evaluators were particularly interested in his pitch sequencing and composure under pressure—two factors that will shape his future with the Red Sox. The Red Sox's top prospect allowed eight hits—including a home run—and one walk, striking out four over 76 pitches, 51 of which landed for strikes. Despite the rocky outing, the Harrison debut did show glimpses of his potential. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph and touched 96.3, producing seven swings and misses. He also mixed in 13 slurves, 11 sliders, and seven changeups. MassLive's Christopher Smith took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to summarize how Kyle Harrison's Red Sox debut was for Triple-A Worcester. 'Kyle Harrison (from the Rafael Devers) gave up four runs, eight hits (one homer) and one walk while striking out four in his Red Sox organizational debut for Triple-A Worcester. He threw 76 pitches (51 strikes),' adding that, 'He threw 45 four-seam fastballs, averaging 94.7 mph and topping out at 96.3 mph. He added 13 slurves, 11 sliders and seven changeups, according to Baseball Savant.' Advertisement Once ranked No. 26 overall by Baseball America, Harrison compiled a 9-9 record with a 4.48 ERA in 39 MLB appearances for the Giants before being dealt in the Devers trade. Viewed as a long-term asset by the Red Sox, his Triple-A Worcester assignment reflects a developmental path, not immediate pressure. Though Harrison's debut was statistically underwhelming, his time with Triple-A Worcester marks just the beginning of his journey in the Red Sox system. The organization has already outlined plans for him to add a cutter and sinker to his pitch mix—underscoring their commitment to developing the promising southpaw. As the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox pipeline works through early growing pains, fans should keep perspective. This debut wasn't meant to reflect a finished product. It was meant to lay the foundation. Related: Ceddanne Rafaela jumpman grab can't stop Angels home run Related: Could the Red Sox make another trade with the Giants involving Jarren Duran?
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rafael Devers trade grades for Giants, Red Sox
The post Rafael Devers trade grades for Giants, Red Sox appeared first on ClutchPoints. In one of the most shocking trades in recent memory, the San Francisco Giants have acquired All-Star slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in a blockbuster deal that sent Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs, and Jose Bello to Boston. The Giants also agreed to take on the remaining $280+ million of Devers' 10-year, $313.5 million contract. Advertisement This move didn't just shake up the National League West — it sent shockwaves across Major League Baseball. Let's be real: this is a steal for San Francisco. Devers is a 28-year-old three-time All-Star with 200+ career home runs and a Silver Slugger pedigree. He's slashing .272/.401/.504 this season with 15 bombs and 58 RBIs — all while dealing with a toxic environment in Boston. Even in a DH role he didn't want, he was producing at an elite level. And now? He gets a fresh start on a contender. Giants get offensive boost, but Bryce Eldridge questions arise Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images San Francisco, currently sitting at 41-30 and second in the NL Wild Card race, badly needed a thumper in the middle of the lineup. Their offense ranks 15th in runs and 23rd in OPS. Plug in a lefty bat with a .900 OPS and proven postseason pedigree, and suddenly this team goes from 'dangerous' to 'legit threat.' Devers will likely get his wish to return to third base while Matt Chapman recovers, and even if he slides back to DH later, it'll be in a clubhouse that didn't just undermine him for six months. Advertisement Sure, the Giants took on a massive contract, but this is San Francisco — a team that's struck out on big names like Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Shohei Ohtani in recent offseasons. They landed Willy Adames in the offseason, and now, they've landed another star. Devers is signed through 2033. The Giants didn't just get a bat — they got a face of the franchise. As for the talent they gave up? Jordan Hicks has electric stuff but a 6.47 ERA. Kyle Harrison has upside, but his MLB track record is inconsistent. Tibbs has power but is still in High-A. Jose Bello's been dominant in rookie ball, but he's years away. None of these players scream 'future All-Star.' None are blue-chip prospects. In short: Buster Posey fleeced Boston…for now. Give him the Executive of the Year award already in June. Grade: A Red Sox ship Rafael Devers to San Francisco Eric Canha-Imagn Images This trade feels like the Red Sox just… gave up. Advertisement Rafael Devers wasn't just their best hitter — he was supposed to be the guy. After Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts walked, Boston committed $313.5 million to Devers to be the face of the franchise. Now, in year two of that deal, they've traded him away for a pitching dart throw, a couple of young lotto tickets, and some salary relief. The optics are terrible. The Red Sox just swept the Yankees and sit at 37-36, technically still in the Wild Card hunt. And yet they're punting on a star in his prime because they couldn't figure out how to handle a position dispute? Let's rewind: they signed Alex Bregman to take over third base. They moved Devers to DH. Then they tried to shove him to first base after Triston Casas got hurt. Devers — understandably — refused, especially after being told in spring training he wouldn't need to bring a glove. That triggered behind-the-scenes tension, a closed-door meeting with ownership, and eventually this trade. According to reports, Devers never even requested a trade — but the team was clearly ready to move on. It's clear they prioritized getting Devers' contract off the books more than they cared about the actual return. Hicks is barely a backend starter at this point. Harrison has potential, but nothing resembling consistency. Tibbs is intriguing, but years away. Bello is a project. And remember — this is all they got for a 28-year-old power-hitting lefty with an OPS north of .890 and nearly a decade of big-league production. Advertisement That's why executives across the league reacted with stunned disbelief. This wasn't just a trade — it was a surrender. Grade: D- Final Verdict This isn't just a trade that helps the Giants in the short term — it positions them for the next half-decade. They now have a middle-of-the-order anchor locked in for the long haul. Devers' contract is massive, sure, but if you're going to spend $300 million on someone, it better be a bat like his. Boston? They've lost their identity. Again. In a span of five years, they've let go of Betts, Bogaerts, and now Devers — all before their age-30 seasons. And for what? A lukewarm batch of maybes? Advertisement The Devers trade will be remembered as the moment the Giants went all-in — and the Red Sox waved the white flag. Related: Logan Webb gets 100% real about Giants' Rafael Devers trade Related: Giants president Buster Posey's breaks silence on Rafael Devers' position dilemma
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giants Had Four Words After Rafael Devers News on Thursday
Giants Had Four Words After Rafael Devers News on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Rafael Devers is playing his first season with the San Francisco Giants after eight seasons with the Boston Red Sox, where he emerged as a franchise star and helped deliver Boston's 2018 World Series title. Advertisement The Giants acquired Devers in a blockbuster trade—sending Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks and prospects to Boston—in exchange for the slugger, and in doing so assumed the entirety of his 10-year, $313.5 million contract, now in its second season. The shocking move stemmed from an ongoing conflict: Devers resisted front-office demands to leave third base for newcomer Alex Bregman before the season, publicly criticized communication failures and refused a shift to first base after Triston Casas suffered a long-term injury. Originally an international free-agent signing in 2013, Devers blossomed in Boston, earning two Silver Slugger Awards and three All-Star nods, cementing himself as one of the league's premier third basemen. San Francisco Giants Rafael Devers (16)Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images The 28-year-old superstar belted a two-run homer Thursday in his ninth game in orange and black against the Miami Marlins, pushing his career RBI total past 700 with his 700th and 701st knocked in. Advertisement The Giants congratulated him on this major career accomplishment on X and wrote, "A milestone for Devers." Entering Thursday, Devers had appeared in eight games for San Francisco, and hit his first home run for his new club in a 3-2 win against the Red Sox last Saturday. As the season approaches the mid-way point, Devers has continued to be a force at the plate. He's launched 16 homers and driven in 61 runs, owns a .264 batting average with an .875 OPS this season, and already sits second in NL designated-hitter All-Star Game votes. The Giants will rely heavily on the play of Devers as they push for a return to the playoffs this year. Advertisement Related: Giants Facing Decision After Rafael Devers Injury News Related: Giants Turn Heads With Justin Verlander Announcement on Wednesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox follow up Rafael Devers trade with pitching move
The post Red Sox follow up Rafael Devers trade with pitching move appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Red Sox followed up their blockbuster Rafael Devers trade with an immediate move involving one of their new pitchers. The Red Sox shocked the MLB world as they swept their bitter rival, the New York Yankees. The front office dealt the three-time All-Star, who, despite having an adverse offseason, is one of the best hitters in the league. But Devers is now on the San Francisco Giants, and the Red Sox decided to get much younger with the talent they acquired in this trade. Advertisement One of the newest headline additions is left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison. The 23-year-old was among the top pitching prospects heading into the 2024 season. Harrison started in 24 games that year, compiling a record of 7-7 with a 4.56 ERA. The Red Sox, however, have announced that Harrison has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester. The other players coming onto the roster are 28-year-old pitcher Jordan Hicks and a pair of minor league prospects, outfielder James Tibbs and right-handed pitcher Jose Bello. Tibbs III is a very interesting prospect with high upside as the former No. 13 pick in last season's draft. Trading Devers additionally allows the Red Sox to get off his ten-year, $313,500,000 contract, which ends in 2033. That said, it's not surprising that Red Sox fans are perplexed at the timing of the move. Boston has won seven out of its past eight games, with five of those victories coming against the Yankees. This team just eclipsed the .500 win mark and was starting to look like the group that was supposed to break a three-year playoff drought. Devers, despite his attitude issues, is still in the middle of his prime and was on a tear after a slow start to the season. But what's done is done, and now the Red Sox will look to stay competitive even after losing their best hitter. Advertisement There is still plenty of talent at the plate for Boston. Alex Bregman has been terrific in his 51 games of action, while the Red Sox have several young prospects rounding into form. It won't be easy to stay competitive in the AL East with four teams ahead of Boston. The Yankees are still the divisional favorite, but the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays are slowly gaining traction in this race. It's a long road back to relevance in Boston, but despite the perplexing nature of the trade, the future should be bright for the franchise. Related: Red Sox' Alex Cora credits 'pillars of baseball' for stunning Yankees sweep Related: The next trade Red Sox must make after Rafael Devers stunner
