June 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Minor Notes: Devers blockbuster brings prospects to Boston; Murphy’s rehab rolls on
A big week across the Boston organization got turned upside down on Sunday afternoon as Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal. On the field, Roman Anthony made his highly anticipated big league debut. Outside of Anthony's debut, there was plenty of moving and shaking within the affiliates on the roster moves front.
Devers traded to Giants
In an earth-shattering move on Sunday afternoon, Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants. In return, the Red Sox acquired pitchers Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, outfielder James Tibbs, and pitcher Jose Bello. According to reports, Harrison will join the WooSox, and Tibbs will report to Portland following the deal. Hicks is currently on the 15-day IL and has a 6.47 ERA this season. Harrison has posted a 4.56 ERA in 23 2/3 innings this season. Tibbs had spent all of this season in High-A after being drafted 13th overall in last year's draft and has posted an .857 OPS. Bello has been in rookie ball with a 2.00 ERA over 18 innings.
Ian also put together scouting reports on Tibbs and Bello on the site to give fans an idea of who is coming back in the deal.
Murphy continues to ramp up
As he continues to rehab following Tommy John surgery last season, Chris Murphy (pictured, above) has continued to move up the minor leagues in hopes of returning to the Boston pitching staff. Murphy's rehab has moved to Worcester after starting in Greenville and moving to Portland before coming to the WooSox. In 10 innings, Murphy has allowed five runs, walked six, and struck out 11.
New Podcast Episodes
In episode 366 of the SoxProspects podcast, Chris and Ian discuss the long-awaited arrival of Roman Anthony in Boston while breaking down Ian's trip to Greenville and Portland and the new reports that came along with it. They also broke down the site's June edition of their prospect rankings.
The podcast launched an emergency podcast to break down the Rafael Devers trade and what the players coming to Boston bring.
Transactions
It was a busy week with moves across the organization, highlighted by a pair of trades outside the Devers deal. Despite being promoted to Boston on June 9, Brian Van Belle did not appear in a game for the Red Sox and was designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations. Van Belle was having a standout year in Worcester, posting a 2.29 ERA in 51 innings before the promotion.
Earlier in the week, the Red Sox acquired Jorge Alcala to add to their big-league bullpen in exchange for Andy Lugo, who had spent all of this season in Greenville. After struggling with the Minnesota Twins, Alcala comes to Boston with an 8.88 ERA in 24 innings this season. Lugo moves to the Twins' organization with a .770 OPS in 44 games with the Drive.
While the excitement of Roman Anthony making his Major League debut was prominent across baseball, Ryan Noda was the corresponding move on the 40-man roster. The first baseman was designated for assignment on Monday and claimed by the Chicago White Sox. Noda starred in his time with Worcester, posting a .378/.519/.703 slashline with the WooSox in 13 games.
On the injury front, Yordanny Monegro was placed on the 7-day injured list on Saturday. While it was not apparent what the injury was, Monegro left his start with the Sea Dogs after just 1 1/3 innings. The right-hander has been strong in Portland this season with a 2.67 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings.
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Where are they now?
Prior to the Devers deal, former Boston farmhand Christian Koss was recalled to the Giants for his second stint in the Major Leagues. Koss is hitting .217 in 69 at-bats with San Francisco with a home run and nine runs batted in. Koss was with the Red Sox organization from 2021-2023, ranging across High-A and Triple-A.
Players of the Week for June 10-16
Zach Ehrhard, OF, Portland Sea Dogs
7 G, 26 AB, 10 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7 R, 5 SB, 2 BB, 4 K, .385/.448/.731/1.179
Ehrhard showed off his hitting and speed this week on his way to Player of the Week honors. Ehrhard put together three straight multi-hit outings from June 11-13 and has upped his statline to .244/.319/.488 in 23 games since being promoted to Portland. Ehrhard is currently the 28th-ranked prospect.
Austin Ehrlicher, P, Salem Red Sox
1 G, 0-0, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
Ehrlicher (pictured, left) dazzled in his lone appearance of the week. Against Delmarva, the right-hander was nearly perfect across five innings of work while striking out seven batters. After a tough start to the season, Boston's 2022 18th-round pick has allowed six runs over his last seven outings since the beginning of May. Ehrlicher is currently unranked in the SoxProspects rankings.
Photo Credit: Chris Murphy and Austin Ehrlicher by Kelly O'Connor