URGENT UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox have just traded left-hander Chris Murphy to the Chicago White Sox as part of a flurry of roster changes on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. This major move is one of several trades that highlights Boston’s aggressive approach ahead of the season’s final stretch.
Murphy, 27, has shown promise this year, finishing with a record of 3-0 and a 3.12 ERA across 23 relief appearances with the Red Sox. He also made significant contributions in the minors, going 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts and 13 relief outings. Selected by Boston in the sixth round of the 2019 amateur draft, Murphy had been sidelined for the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery.
In return for Murphy, the Red Sox have acquired Ronny Hernández, a minor league catcher who has hit .251 with four home runs and 34 RBIs in 82 games with Class A Kannapolis this year. This trade signals Boston’s strategy to bolster their minor league system while dealing from their pitching depth.
Additionally, the Red Sox made headlines by trading right-hander Alex Hoppe to the Seattle Mariners and left-hander Brennan Bernardino to the Colorado Rockies. Bernardino, who had a solid season with a 4-3 record and a 3.14 ERA in 55 appearances, is expected to bring veteran experience to Colorado’s bullpen.
Boston received Luke Heyman, a minor league catcher from the Mariners, and outfielder Braiden Ward from the Rockies as part of these trades, further enhancing their roster depth.
On the same day, the Red Sox designated veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and right-hander Josh Winckowski for assignment, a move that reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to reshape their roster.
Moreover, Boston acquired infielder Tristan Gray from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league righty Luis Guerrero, marking another strategic addition aimed at enhancing their infield options.
The Red Sox will look to leverage these trades to improve their performance in the coming weeks as they push for a strong finish to the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s dynamics and playoff aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Red Sox continue to make significant moves ahead of the trade deadline.
