The Boston Red Sox have made a move to bolster their catching depth, acquiring Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for international signing bonus pool allocation. The 27-year-old backstop joins the Red Sox organization after spending most of the 2024 season in Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats.
Sabol’s Major League Experience
While Sabol has only appeared in 11 games for the Giants at the major league level in 2024, he brings a solid track record to the Red Sox. In 121 career MLB games, the left-handed hitting catcher has posted a .243 batting average with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. His versatility and offensive potential make him an intriguing addition to the Red Sox roster.
Blake is a talented player who can provide depth and competition at the catching position. We’re excited to have him join our organization and contribute to our success.
– Chaim Bloom, Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer
Triple-A Performance
Sabol spent the majority of the 2024 season refining his skills with the Sacramento River Cats, the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate. During his time in Sacramento, he showcased his offensive prowess, batting an impressive .313 across 94 games. This strong performance caught the attention of the Red Sox front office, prompting them to pursue a trade for the promising catcher.
- 94 games played in Triple-A Sacramento (2024)
- .313 batting average with the River Cats
Roster Implications
To make room for Sabol on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster, the team designated right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart for assignment. Shugart, who had been part of the Red Sox organization since 2021, will now be subject to waivers, giving other teams the opportunity to claim him.
Player | Transaction |
Blake Sabol | Acquired from Giants |
Chase Shugart | Designated for Assignment |
Looking Ahead
The acquisition of Blake Sabol adds depth and competition to the Red Sox’s catching situation. With his major league experience and impressive Triple-A performance, Sabol has the potential to make an impact both offensively and defensively. As the Red Sox continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, this trade serves as a strategic move to strengthen a key position on the diamond.
Red Sox fans can look forward to seeing how Sabol integrates into the team’s catching corps and contributes to the club’s pursuit of success in the highly competitive American League East. With his left-handed bat and defensive skills, Sabol could prove to be a valuable asset as the Red Sox aim to contend for a playoff spot in the 2025 season.