The Boston Red Sox have acquired outfielder Kyle Schwarber from the Washington Nationals in exchange for RHP Aldo Ramirez.
This is a fantastic deal for the Red Sox, with the condition that Schwarber can learn how to play first base. He has been a wreck in the outfield defensively but the Red Sox are fine in that category. They need someone to replace rookie Bobby Dalbec at first. If he can be anything but a liability at the position, then Boston wins this deal. Schwarber is a power-hitting left-hander who will make the Sox lineup even tougher to pitch against. He walks over a tenth of the time while posting an 18.4 barrel percentage and a 92.2 mph average exit velocity. Schwarber also has an elite .393 xwOBA and a .527 xwOBACON. Fielding will be a journey but he is good. Schwarber is also a rental, so the Red Sox may not have him for long. One problem with him is that in early July he sustained a significant hamstring injury. Schwarber recently resumed batting practice activities but a rehab assignment may be necessary.
Schwarber, 28, has hit 25 home runs with a .340 OBP and a .910 OPS in 303 Plate Appearances for the Nationals this season. In his MLB career for Washington and the Chicago Cubs, Schwarber has hit 146 home runs with a .337 OBP and an .828 OPS in 2411 Plate Appearances.
The Nationals fire sale continues with Schwarber, whose injury cost them a better prospect. The hamstring problem made them have to settle for Ramirez, who MLB Pipeline ranked as Boston’s 19th best prospect. He is a young Mexican pitcher who has good numbers this season. He is still a very long way from the major leagues.
Ramirez, 20, has a 2.03 ERA with 32 strikeouts and a 1.129 WHIP in 31 innings for Single-A Salem this year. In his minor league career, Ramirez has a 2.72 ERA with 112 strikeouts and a 1.063 WHIP in 115.2 innings.
CarterHud 