Red Sox swing trade for reliever just ahead of deadline
The Boston Red Sox acquired more bullpen help on Tuesday, with mere hours to go until the trade deadline.
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan Tuesday afternoon, the Red Sox are acquiring right-handed reliever Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Sox are sending back minor-league right-handed pitcher Ovis Portes, and also designating lefty Brandon Walter for assignment.
Sims, 30, is in his eighth major-league season, mostly spent with the Reds. So far in 2024, he’s 1-4 with a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances, with 40 strikeouts in 35.1 innings. Sims’ FIP is 4.88, an indication that he’s gotten some help on balls in play from the Cincinnati defense. He’s also finished five games for the Reds this season, with one save.
MORE: Red Sox begin trade deadline moves with a reunion
The Red Sox also acquired righty Quinn Priester from the Pittsburgh Pirates to help their recently struggling bullpen ahead of the trade deadline. Priester and Sims join left-handed starter James Paxton and catcher Danny Jansen as the team’s newest trade additions.
Boston could still use a right-handed power hitter to bolster their lineup before the trade deadline passes at 6 p.m. ET. Jansen provides a little pop as the new backup catcher (six home runs in 232 plate appearances), but ideally, they can get someone to plug in at designated hitter or the outfield.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
