On Tuesday, the Red Sox executed four roster changes. They added right-handed pitching prospect Hunter Dobbins and outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia to their 40-man roster in advance of the Rule 5 Draft deadline.
To make room for these two players, Boston designated right-handed pitchers Bryan Mata and Isaiah Campbell for assignment.
Mata was regarded as Boston’s top pitching prospect at the start of spring training in 2023. However, the 25-year-old has not yet made his MLB debut and has logged only 132 ⅔ innings in the minor leagues over the past four years due to several injuries.
Mata had Tommy John surgery in April 2021 and missed most of the 2023 season due to right shoulder inflammation. It looked like 2024 could be a breakthrough year for him as he entered spring training without any minor league options remaining and needing to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, he ended up spending the entire season on the injured list due to a right hamstring strain and a sore lat.
On November 17, 2023, the Red Sox acquired the 27-year-old Campbell from the Mariners in exchange for infielder Luis Urías. Campbell made Boston’s Opening Day roster for 2024, but unfortunately, he was sidelined for most of the season and ended the year on Triple-A Worcester’s injured list with elbow inflammation.
Baseball America ranks the 25-year-old Dobbins as Boston’s No. 21 prospect. He was named the Red Sox’s minor league Starting Pitcher of the Year for 2024 after posting a 3.08 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a .237 batting average against in 25 starts across Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester.
Boston originally drafted Dobbins in the eighth round in 2021 from Texas Tech. Despite being considered a late first-round or early second-round talent, he fell in the draft after missing his junior season due to Tommy John surgery.
His fastball typically ranges from 95-97 mph, with a top recorded speed of 99 mph. In addition to his fastball, his pitch arsenal includes a splitter, sweeper, slider, and curveball. He has developed a new splitter grip, resulting in a pitch that functions like a hybrid between a splitter and a sinker, often referred to as a “splinker.”
Dobbins enhances Boston’s starting pitching depth and his velocity also makes him a potential early bullpen option in his MLB career.
“Obviously, he had a really outstanding season for us,” said chief baseball officer Craig Breslow at the GM Meetings earlier this month. “It was exciting to see his progress — the improvements in his raw stuff, swing-and-miss ability, durability, and overall performance. He’s really made a name for himself, and it’ll be an important offseason for him to continue developing. We have every reason to be very excited about what he accomplished.”
Baseball America ranks the 21-year-old Garcia as Boston’s No. 18 prospect. In a breakout 2024 season, he posted a .286 batting average with a .356 on-base percentage, a .536 slugging percentage, and an OPS of .892. He hit 23 home runs, 24 doubles, five triples, recorded 66 RBIs, scored 78 runs, stole 17 bases, and had 33 walks against 99 strikeouts in 107 games (459 plate appearances) across Low-A Salem, High-A Greenville, and Portland.
Garcia made 61 starts in center field, 28 in right field, two in left field, and 16 as a designated hitter.
Notably, Michael Fulmer was not protected. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and 2017 All-Star signed a two-year minor league contract in February while recovering from UCL revision surgery on his right elbow. He will be eligible to be selected by other teams in the Rule 5 Draft.
Leave a Reply