Red Sox Reportedly Receive Exciting Hurler Back From AL East Rival After Rule 5 Draft Pick

A familiar face is back in the Red Sox organization

The Boston Red Sox got some good news Tuesday. 

Boston received intriguing young hurler A.J. Politi back from the Orioles after the 26-year-old was drafted by Baltimore in December's Rule 5 Draft but didn't make the team's active roster out of spring training, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. 

Red Sox got A.J. Politi back. Orioles returned him as a Rule 5 pick.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 28, 2023

Politi was drafted by the Red Sox in the 15th round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft and he spent the first four years of his professional career before being snatched by the Orioles in the Rule 5 Draft. Once a player is taken in the Rule 5 Draft they must remain with on the active roster of the team that drafted them for a full season. If they don't remain with the club that takes them, they are put on waivers. If no team claims them -- and offers an active roster spot -- then they can return to their initial team for a fee. 

The 26-year-old began his professional career with the then Low-A Lowell Spinners in 2018 and has risen up the team's farm system and saw time with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox in 2022. 

In 2022, Politi made 50 appearances between Worcester and the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. Politi compiled a 2.34 ERA across 69 1/3 innings pitched to go along with 83 strikeouts to just 22 walks. 

Politi made nine appearances with the Orioles in spring training and compiled a 6.23 ERA across 8 2/3 innings pitched. The 26-year-old added eight strikeouts and walked three batters.

Although he somewhat struggled in the small sample size of spring training, he is an interesting option for the Red Sox. He shined in the Boston farm system in 2022 and now gives the team another much-needed relief depth option. Boston's depth already has been tested to the point where it might add a reliever from free agency, so getting another player back with upside can only help the club. 

If Politi shines in the minor leagues after re-joining Boston, don't be too surprised if he makes his big league debut in 2023.

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