Wed Jan 15 19:40:00 UTC 2025: **Red Sox Acquire Catcher/Outfielder Blake Sabol from Giants in Roster Move**
**Boston, MA – January 15, 2025** – The Boston Red Sox announced today that they have acquired catcher/outfielder Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for international bonus pool space. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated right-hander Chase Shugart for assignment.
Sabol, 27, was originally selected by the Giants in the Rule 5 draft in 2023. While he showed promise in his rookie season, hitting 13 home runs, he struggled in 2024, spending much of the year in Triple-A. His career major league batting line stands at .243/.313/.392. He provides the Red Sox with versatility, having played catcher and multiple outfield positions in his career. He’ll compete with Carlos Narvaez, and potentially other players, for the backup catcher role behind Connor Wong.
For the Giants, the acquisition of additional international bonus pool space is significant. They recently used a substantial portion of their pool to sign top international prospect Josuar de Jesus Gonzalez. The additional funds gained from the Sabol trade will help offset this expenditure.
The move addresses the Red Sox’s need for catching depth after several roster changes. While Sabol isn’t a star player, he represents a low-risk acquisition with potential to contribute. The trade also highlights the ongoing roster adjustments by both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.