Ex-Padres Fireballer DFA'd; Could Make Perfect Sense For Red Sox As Buy-Low Candidate

Should the Red Sox consider a move involving a fireballer with upside?

The Boston Red Sox were rumored to be one of the most active teams ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline but the speculation didn't lead to a flurry of moves.

Boston -- who is just one-and-a-half games out of an American League Wild Card spot -- opted for a quiet trade deadline that mainly saw depth being addressed. Although the Red Sox didn't make any blockbuster deals, the club certainly could nab a playoff spot, especially with the club starting to get healthier. Star lefty Chris Sale and shortstop Trevor Story are nearing returns to the field along with pitchers Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock.

The spunky Red Sox have been surprising this season and should be even better next year. Boston certainly still needs to address its pitching depth, though, if the club wants to make a run for a postseason spot. The Red Sox's bullpen is significantly better than last season but it wouldn't hurt to add more depth at the minor league level. One player who could make perfect sense for the Red Sox is former San Diego Padres pitcher Brent Honeywell who was designated for assignment, according to the club. 

Honeywell made 36 appearances this season with the Padres and compiled a 4.05 ERA before being designated for assignment. The 28-year-old also was in the 69th percentile in fastball velocity this season before the move. At one point Honeywell was one of the top prospects in all of baseball and even ranked as high as 11th before the 2018 campaign. Honeywell was drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays and eventually made his big league debut with the club in 2021. 

Injuries have derailed Honeywell's career and he's already had Tommy John surgery once but he seemingly is healthy now and could make sense as a buy-low candidate with upside for another club. If Boston was interested in adding bullpen depth, they likely could add the righty on a cheap deal and send him to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. If he could impress there, he maybe could eventually make his way back to the big leagues. Another club likely will give him a chance in the not-so-distant future, maybe it will be Boston.

More MLB: Former Cy Young Award Winner Available; Red Sox Could Make Move To Bolster Rotation