Red Sox Trade For Intriguing Mets Reliever After Stellar 2023 Campaign
New Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has only been in town for a couple of months but already has three trades under his belt.
While the move he made on Tuesday night will garner attention for years -- sending outfielder Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees for a package of prospects -- his most recent deal appears to be a strong one.
"Shortly after the Rule 5 draft, Boston acquired right-handed reliever Justin Slaten from the (New York) Mets in exchange for lefty pitcher Ryan Ammons and cash, according to a team announcement," MassLive's Chris Cotillo wrote Wednesday.
"Minutes earlier, the Mets had taken Slaten from the (Texas) Rangers as part of the Rule 5 proceedings. Therefore, Slaten still falls under Rule 5 regulations -- he must stick on Boston’s active roster (or injured list, if he’s hurt) -- for the entire 2023 season."
Slaten was a lock to be selected in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft coming off a strong campaign.
The 26-year-old posted a 2.87 ERA with an 86-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .206 batting average against and 1.07 WHIP in 59 2/3 innings between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock last season.
Slaten can touch upper 90s with his fastball and has a dangerous slider alongside a formidable cutter and occasional curveball.
The talented right-hander has a real shot to make the Red Sox's bullpen this season and would certainly have more upside than the previous depth options Boston has deployed -- looking at you Kaleb Ort and Justin Garza.
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