Red Sox Acquire Promising Pitching Prospect David Sandlin in Trade
In a proactive move to address a critical need in their Minor League system, Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow orchestrated a significant trade on Saturday, acquiring hard-throwing prospect David Sandlin from the Royals in exchange for right-handed setup man John Schreiber. Breslow highlighted the thorough evaluation process behind the trade, citing Sandlin’s impressive…
In a proactive move to address a critical need in their Minor League system, Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow orchestrated a significant trade on Saturday, acquiring hard-throwing prospect David Sandlin from the Royals in exchange for right-handed setup man John Schreiber.
Breslow highlighted the thorough evaluation process behind the trade, citing Sandlin’s impressive skill set and potential for growth. Acknowledging Schreiber’s talent and contributions to the team, Breslow emphasized that the decision was made with the organization’s best interests in mind.
Schreiber, who transformed from a fringe reliever in Detroit to a key setup man for the Red Sox, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and support provided by the organization during his tenure.
Sandlin, identified early on as a rising talent with the potential to become a legitimate starting pitcher, fills a crucial role in the Red Sox’s strategy to bolster their pitching depth. With a strong focus on enhancing their right-handed relief depth and creating more options for starting pitching, the acquisition of Sandlin aligns with the team’s long-term goals.
While closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin solidify the back end of the bullpen, the departure of Schreiber creates opportunities for other relievers to step up and fill key roles in bridging the gap to the final innings.
Competition for the final spot in the starting rotation includes pitchers Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, and Josh Winckowski, with the likelihood that those not securing a rotation spot will contribute as important relievers under manager Alex Cora.
Additionally, the trade opens doors for pitchers like Greg Weissert and Isaiah Campbell, acquired earlier in the offseason, to showcase their talents and vie for roster spots.
Regarding trade rumors surrounding Jansen, Breslow expressed confidence in the current roster’s depth and competition, indicating a contentment with the team’s composition.
Sandlin, a 22-year-old prospect ranked No. 19 in the Royals’ system, brings an impressive repertoire to the Red Sox organization. Despite an oblique injury limiting his starts last season, Sandlin’s potential shines through, with his fastball reaching up to 98-99 mph and a promising breaking ball and changeup.
Expected to begin the season with Boston’s High-A affiliate in Greenville, Sandlin’s addition fills a void in the Red Sox’s Minor League system, providing much-needed quality starting pitching depth.
Selected by the Royals in the 11th round of the 2022 Draft from Oklahoma, Sandlin boasts a commendable Minor League career, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.41 ERA and 90 strikeouts over 68 2/3 innings. His potential and performance position him as a standout prospect within the Red Sox organization.
