Red Sox seek former Astros flamethrower to help add needed pitching depth

The Boston Red Sox added some intriguing depth on Saturday afternoon.

Boston was looking for ways to add more pitchers with major league potential and did so Saturday by claiming young fireman Alex Speas from the Houston Astros, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

“The Red Sox claimed right-handed relief pitcher Alex Speas from the Astros and sent him to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday,” Smith said. “The 26-year-old throws hard. He hit 100.4 mph with his fastball in three major league outings for Texas last year. He hit 99.7 mph with his fastball in one major league outing for the Astros this year.

“Command is an issue, however. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has walked 22 batters in 21 ⅔ innings in Triple-A this year with three different organizations (Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Astros). In total, he has a 10.38 ERA, a 2.26 WHIP, 31 strikeouts, 22 walks and a .303 batting average in 21 relief outings at the Triple-A level in 2024. He has an ERA of 5, 01 in 127 minor league outings (14 starts).

Speas’ statistics may not be obvious, but you have to be wary of him. He’s only 26 years old and has a blazing fastball. His command may not be great, but Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey has shown this year that he can get the most out of any pitcher.

The young firefighter has something that can’t be taught with his fastball. If he could improve his control in the minors, he might be able to help Boston this season.

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