Red Sox Lefty From Crazy Trade Impresses in Spring Camp

This article digs into the Red Sox’ December trade that sent Luis Perales to Washington for 25-year-old lefty Jake Bennett. It explores why Bennett’s suddenly at the center of Boston’s pitching plans.

You’ll also get a feel for his Tommy John recovery, his first days in camp, and how Boston wants to shape him into a rotation guy—not just another bullpen arm.

Jake Bennett: A High-Upside Lefty in Boston’s System

Jake Bennett stands 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 234 pounds. He landed in Boston as part of a prospect-for-prospect swap with the Nationals.

He hasn’t pitched above Double-A, but Baseball America already slots him as the sixth-best prospect in the Red Sox system and the fifth-best pitcher on their list. Scouts talk about his size and projectable frame, and his velocity has folks inside the organization genuinely excited.

Bennett missed the 2024 season after Tommy John surgery. He came back in 2025 and put up a strong Double-A line: 2.27 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and 19 walks over 75 1/3 innings.

Coaches and players keep mentioning him alongside Boston’s other high-upside arms. The Red Sox pitching staff see real potential in him, as long as he keeps sharpening his command and overall approach.

Spring Camp Buzz: Early Returns and the Cora Backing

In major league camp, Bennett’s made an impression in live batting practice against big leaguers. Manager Alex Cora has pointed out his presence and competitiveness.

He just seems to get how to attack hitters and carry his stuff through an at-bat. Andrew Bailey, the pitching coach, likes Bennett’s work ethic and upside, but he’s quick to say the team wants him as a starter—not a bullpen arm.

People talk about a possible bullpen role, especially with Boston’s current lefty-relief gap. Still, inside the organization, the message is pretty clear: Bennett’s being groomed for a long, starter’s workload.

The Red Sox want him stretched out and ready to help as rotation depth in Triple-A, or maybe even the majors if things break that way.

Recovery, Track Record, and What Comes Next

Bennett’s Tommy John in 2024 hangs over his story. But his 2025 return showed why Boston’s patient approach with young pitchers can pay off.

In Double-A, he gave them what every team craves from a future starter: efficient innings, better control, and the knack for missing bats. That line—2.27 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 19 walks in 75 1/3 innings—shows a guy who can handle a rotation role, if he keeps developing his stuff and command.

Boston’s plan for Bennett matches what they’re doing with arms like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. Both are expected to start the season in Triple-A to build up innings and polish their game.

This whole approach just fits Boston’s focus on rotation depth instead of rushing guys to the bigs as relievers. It’s a bit old-school, but honestly, it might be what sets them apart.

The Bottom Line: Why Bennett Matters for the Red Sox

Jake Bennett brings real upside to the Red Sox. His potential as a starter fits right into the team’s long-term approach for pitching depth and development.

People toss around the idea of bullpen work, but Boston wants to keep him stretched out. They’re eyeing him as a rotation-ready option in Triple-A or the majors if things get dicey.

Bennett’s size and velocity stand out, and he’s shown he can keep improving in the minors. That mix makes him pretty intriguing in Boston’s pitching pipeline.

As the season moves along, it’ll be interesting to see how Bennett matures. Maybe he becomes that high-upside lefty the Red Sox have been hoping to develop for the rotation.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Big Red Sox lefty from ‘crazy trade’ a camp standout, but unlikely to crack Opening Day bullpen