Within the 18th spherical of the 2017 MLB draft the New York Yankees drafted a pitcher out of the College of Alabama named Garret Whitlock. He would nearly instantly make his skilled debut with the Gulf Coast League Yankees. In 2018, Whitlock would seem in three ranges for New York: A, A+, and AA. Total he’d submit a 1.86 ERA throughout the three ranges whereas making 21 begins. 2019 would begin properly as he remained in AA: a 3.07 ERA throughout 14 begins for 70.1 innings. However issues wouldn’t keep golden for Whitlock. He would succumb to Tommy John surgical procedure by midseason. With the canceled minor league season in 2020, Whitlock would stay in a state of flux. He’d be recovering from harm however probably not progressing as a baseball participant.
When it got here time to guard their prospects from the Rule 5 draft, the Yankees checked out Whitlock and noticed 2019 success, a misplaced season, and an harm. They didn’t defend him and the Purple Sox chosen Whitlock on December 10, 2020. Whitlock would go on to strike out 81 in 73.1 innings in 2021 for Boston whereas posting a 1.96 ERA. He’d permit 2 runs in 8 playoff innings that 12 months because the Sox made it to the ALCS. After a few years of tried conversions again to the rotation and a few well being points, Whitlock would put up a monster 2025. A 2.25 ERA, 91 strikeouts, 24 walks in 72 innings. The elite setup man has been value 8.2 bWAR Purple Sox.
Carlos Narváez was signed out of Venezuela in 2015. He would make his skilled debut the following 12 months and spend just a few seasons as a young person, working his method by the bottom ranges of the minor leagues. He wouldn’t make it to AA till 2023 as a 24-year-old, however his keep could be transient, simply 16 video games. Promoted as soon as extra to AAA, Narváez would stay with Scranton Wilkes-Barre for 180 video games. He’d hit .247/.371/.400 however be checked out as a defense-first catcher. Though he acquired a cup of espresso for six video games in 2024, Narváez was nothing however depth for the Yankees. On December 11, 2024 the Yankees would commerce the catcher for minor leaguer Elmer Rodriguez.
In his age 26 season, with Connor Wong coming into because the starter, Narváez wasn’t even assured to make the roster. However with harm and ineffectivess he acquired his probability. And as a rookie took over the beginning catching job of a playoff staff. He’d put up a 2.6 bWAR season and swing the bat in addition! With a .241/.306/.419 slash line, Narváez finds himself within the driver’s seat coming into 2026.
Elmer Rodriguez pitched in A+, AA, and AAA for New York with a 2.58 ERA throughout 150 innings. He struck out 175 and walked 57 as a 21 12 months outdated. Not a nasty season in any respect, however in alternate for a beginning catcher? A discount.
Caleb Durbin’s story is barely extra difficult. He was drafted by Atlanta in 2021 and traded to New York for Lucas Luetge, a 38-year-old pitcher. He’d come out of the bullpen for the Braves simply 12 instances and put up an ERA north of seven. The Yankees would then ship Durbin to the Brewers with Nester Cortes forward of the 2025 season for Devon Williams. He’d solely put up a third place end within the Rookie of the 12 months.
Enjoying largely third base (131 video games) with a scattering of second (10) and shortstop (3), Durbin hit .256/.334/.387. He hit 11 homers and stole 18 bases. He lead the league in HBP with 24. He was with 2.8 bWAR. That’s why the Purple Sox needed to pay a steep-ish value to get him. However his worth to a staff with no true third baseman, irrespective of how a lot he may platoon or share time, Durbin could possibly be invaluable.
The Purple Sox have accomplished some good work with their prospects. They’ve actually picked up some gifted pitchers on the down low. But additionally Narváez. And Romy Gonzalez. Even Nate Eaton was an under-the-radar addition. This could possibly be an enormous pickup for Boston, acquired for, basically, spare elements. And whereas Durbin did have his breakout with the Brewers there is likely to be extra expertise in there. He’s in all probability not going to be Garret Whitlock, but when he’s a 3rd base pickup equal to Narváez? That may be a steal. A 3rd steal. From the Yankees. It’s not the conventional participant acquisition technique however it’s a pleasant profit to see the Sox advance slightly bit at their expense.
