Angels Make a Bold Move, Select RHL Angel Bastardo from Red Sox in Rule 5 Draft
The Los Angeles Angels made an intriguing addition to their roster today, selecting right-handed pitcher Angel Bastardo from the Boston Red Sox in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft. This move signals the Angels’ intent to bolster their bullpen depth with young and promising talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Who is Angel Bastardo?
Bastardo, a 23-year-old pitcher, has been a rising prospect within the Red Sox organization. Known for his electric fastball and improving secondary pitches, he spent the 2023 season showcasing his skills in Double-A. Across 25 starts, Bastardo posted a 3.75 ERA with 137 strikeouts in 126 innings, solidifying his reputation as a high-upside arm with plenty of potential.
Scouts have praised Bastardo’s ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his high-spin fastball and slider combination. While his command remains a work in progress, the Angels see him as a player who can develop into a valuable contributor at the Major League level.
Why the Rule 5 Draft?
The Rule 5 Draft is an annual event that allows teams to select unprotected players from other organizations, provided they are added to the selecting team’s active roster for the entire season. By picking Bastardo, the Angels commit to giving him a shot to prove his worth in the big leagues, as they cannot send him back to the minors without first offering him back to the Red Sox.
This strategic move allows the Angels to infuse their pitching staff with a fresh arm while mitigating the risk of overpaying in free agency or trades. Bastardo’s youth and upside make him an exciting addition to a team aiming to build a more robust pitching foundation.
What This Means for the Angels
For the Angels, the acquisition of Bastardo aligns with their ongoing efforts to develop a sustainable pipeline of pitching talent. With the team seeking to support its star-studded lineup led by Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, adding cost-controlled, high-upside players like Bastardo could be a key piece of their strategy moving forward.
Manager Phil Nevin expressed optimism about Bastardo’s potential, stating, “We see Angel as a young pitcher with a lot of promise. He has the tools to succeed, and we’re excited to see how he can contribute to our team this season.”
Looking Ahead
As Spring Training approaches, all eyes will be on Bastardo to see how he adjusts to the Major League level. If he can harness his raw talent and improve his command, he could prove to be a hidden gem for the Angels.
The Angels’ decision to take a chance on Bastardo reflects a calculated gamble that could pay dividends. For now, the team and its fans can look forward to seeing what this young pitcher can bring to the mound in 2024.
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