Red Sox Shockingly Release Prospect Acquired In Andrew Benintendi Trade
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The Boston Red Sox made a shocking move that largely flew under the radar on Sunday afternoon, cutting ties with an intriguing player coming off a strong campaign.
The Red Sox released right-hander Luis De La Rosa, one of five players acquired in exchange for outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
The 21-year-old posted a 2.94 ERA with an 88-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .208 batting average against and a 1.32 WHIP in 70 1/3 innings for Single-A Salem last season.
His production fell in line with his career stats -- he has a career 3.03 ERA in 184 1/3 innings across 63 appearances. The majority of his dominance came in various rookie ball leagues as a teenager but his aforementioned 2023 campaign proved that he could hang with more established competition -- right in line with other players his age.
De La Rosa showed strikeout stuff and appeared to do everything he could on the field to prove that he belonged. The Red Sox, however, must not have seen much of a future for the rising hurler.
Despite his production, SoxProspects -- one of the best resources available to Red Sox fans and media -- were not too bullish on the righty. SoxProspects has De La Rosa labeled as a potential minor league depth arm with the ceiling of an organizational arm.
Apparently scouts inside the organization agree, as they were comfortable letting De La Rosa and his low-to-mid-90s fastball sign elsewhere.
There is certainly some level of analytics and projection that should factor into decision making but it's hard to envision how De La Rosa didn't earn an opportunity to prove himself in with High-A Greenville for the upcoming season.
Alas, De La Rosa's departure marks the third player the Red Sox have cut ties with from the Benintendi deal -- joining outfielder/first baseman Franchy Cordero and outfielder Freddy Valdez.
The Red Sox hit on right-hander Josh Winckowski and still employ pitching prospect Grant Gambrell -- who reached Triple-A Worcester at the tail end of last season.
The Benintendi trade was not a slam-dunk win by either side but Winckowski appears to be the best player moved in the transaction.
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