Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Red Sox's Feelings Revealed on Top Player Added in Rafael Devers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 8:30 PM ET

When the Boston Red Sox created their ideal return package for designated hitter Rafael Devers, one player was at the top of their list. The Red Sox hoped the San Francisco Giants would be willing to part ways with minor-league first baseman Bryce Eldridge, the Giants' top prospect and No. 19 overall prospect in MLB, according to MLB Pipeline.

The Giants, however, were not interested in doing so, opting instead to trade a package of four total major league-ready players and prospects. The trade piece that headlined the deal was starting pitcher Kyle Harrison, an up-and-coming talent who has just one full season of big-league experience.

The start of Harrison's tenure with the Red Sox was interesting, to say the least. Harrison was expected to start a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers the night the trade went official but ultimately did not throw a pitch in the conteest. When the Red Sox acquired him, he was not immediately added to the team's 26-man roster. Instead, he was optioned to the club's Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox.

Earlier this week, Red Sox executives and coaches described their plan for Harrison before he returns to the big leagues.

According to MassLive's Katie Morrison-O'Day, Red Sox director of pitching Justin Willard said Harrison's stint in the minors will not be long, projecting he'd be there for "a couple of weeks" while making adjustments to his arsenal. Willard also expressed excitement for what is to come with Harrison on the mound.

"He’s going to be a huge piece for the Red Sox for not only now, but hopefully for the next five to six years," Willard said, via Morrison-O'Day. "There’s really big potential here. I’m really excited about the kid.”

Worcester Red Sox pitching coach Dan DeLucia went further by describing the specific pitches Harrison is aiming to master.

“He has a sinker he’s been working on in the background in [San Francisco]. He’s going to showcase that," DeLucia said, via WEEI's Cooper Boardman. "And then we’re working on a cutter variation, another pitch to take pressure off the fastball.”

Harrison threw three innings of live batting practice on Saturday, and he is expected to make his organizational debut against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Thursday, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

Harrison's big-league returns may not be immediate, but all indications show that he is expected to be a significant contributor to the Red Sox's future success.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: