The Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to a trade that will send left-handed pitcher Cam Booser to the White Sox. The deal, first reported by Robert Murray of Fansided, remains unclear on the full return heading to Boston. However, James Fegan of Sox Machine indicates that the Red Sox will receive a minor league player in exchange, with Chris Cotillo of MassLive specifying that the return is expected to be a minor league pitcher.
Cam Booser, who will turn 33 in May, made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in April 2023 after a long and unconventional journey to the big leagues. Originally signed by the Minnesota Twins in 2013, Booser navigated a challenging path through the minor leagues, struggling to advance past High-A by 2017. He later revitalized his career in independent baseball, returning to affiliated ball with the Diamondbacks and eventually signing with the Red Sox in 2023.
During his rookie season, Booser performed admirably, pitching 42 2/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA. His strikeout rate stood at a respectable 23.5%, alongside an 8.7% walk rate, resulting in a solid 3.80 FIP. However, advanced metrics such as his 3.92 SIERA and 4.40 xFIP suggest potential regression, particularly given his elevated 80% strand rate and a relatively low home-run-to-fly-ball ratio of 8.3%. Despite these concerns, Booser proved himself a reliable left-handed middle-relief option.
The trade comes as the Red Sox continue to bolster their bullpen depth with established left-handers like Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson, as well as Brennan Bernadino. With this strong left-handed bullpen contingent in Boston, Booser became somewhat expendable. The White Sox, however, see him as a valuable addition to their bullpen, which currently lacks depth in left-handed relief. Booser will face less competition in Chicago, stepping into a bullpen that includes recent acquisition Ron Marinaccio and other less-established arms like Jared Shuster and Fraser Ellard.
For the White Sox, this trade provides an experienced left-handed reliever to enhance their bullpen for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Red Sox continue to shape their roster while acquiring a promising minor league pitcher as part of the deal. Both teams aim to optimize their respective lineups as the offseason progresses.
