As the final minutes before the 2024 trade deadline ticked away, the Boston Red Sox made a crucial move to bolster their bullpen.
The Red Sox acquired veteran reliever Luis García from the Los Angeles Angels, as first reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman. García, a 37-year-old impending free agent, brings experience and recent strong performances to Boston. The details of what the Angels received in return have not yet been disclosed.
García has posted a 3.71 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 14 walks over 43.2 innings this season, successfully converting four saves in six opportunities. While he is a right-handed pitcher, and the Red Sox had been seeking left-handed help, García’s recent performance made him a valuable addition. He has recorded a 2.76 ERA in his last 15 appearances, and an impressive 1.17 ERA over his most recent seven outings.
Red Sox acquire veteran right-handed reliever Luis García from the Angels
Boston made another key addition to their bullpen hours before trading for García, acquiring righty reliever Lucas Sims, formerly of the Cincinnati Reds. Sims and García bring valuable experience to the back end of the Red Sox’s bullpen, which is currently composed of many young or first-year big leaguers. These veteran additions, along with Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen, will provide depth and mentorship to the bullpen.
García is already familiar with Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey, having pitched for the Angels in 2019 when Bailey was their bullpen coach. Their existing relationship could help maintain García’s recent positive trend as they work together again in Boston.
