Red Sox Acquire Reliever Jorge Alcala from Twins

The Boston Red Sox have acquired right-handed reliever Jorge Alcala from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league prospect Andy Lugo, aiming to strengthen a bullpen plagued by injuries to key pitchers like Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten. Alcala, 29, has had a difficult 2025 season with an 8.88 ERA in 22 appearances, but he showed promise in 2024 with a 3.24 ERA over 54 games and a strong fastball velocity ranking in the 88th percentile among MLB pitchers. To make room for Alcala on their 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle for assignment. Lugo, 21, is a versatile minor leaguer batting .265 with four home runs this season in High-A Greenville, primarily playing infield positions. The Twins have replaced Alcala on their roster with left-hander Joey Wentz, acquired off waivers from Pittsburgh. The Red Sox hope Alcala can help improve their bullpen's strikeout rate, which has been slightly below league average despite a solid overall ERA ranking eighth in MLB.