Red Sox acquire power left-handed pitcher from the White Sox for cash
The Red Sox made a minor trade on Tuesday, acquiring left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations, and he was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.
The 26-year-old Horn was designated for assignment by the White Sox on April 26 after he was originally acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on February 27.
Horn has a career 4.60 ERA with 236 strikeouts in 184 minor league innings. The southpaw has gotten off to a rocky start to open the 2024 season, allowing 13 runs (11.32 ERA).
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is familiar with Horn after spending two-and-a-half years with the Cubs while in charge of the organization’s pitching program.
The Texas native was originally drafted by the White Sox out of Auburn in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He was then traded to the Cubs a year later in a deadline swap that sent reliever Ryan Tepera to Wrigleyville.
Entering this season, Horn was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 28 prospect, according to Baseball America.
“Horn has power stuff but is not quite consistent with it. His fastball sits at 94–96 mph, touches 98, and gets swings and misses when he throws it over the plate,” Baseball America wrote. “His sharp, 84-86 mph slider flashes plus and is a wipeout offering at its best. His big-breaking 75-79 mph curveball with sweep and depth is an above-average pitch that he can land on the back foot of righties. Horn has plenty of stuff, but he struggles to repeat his delivery and has a violent arm action that yields well below-average control and significant injury risk.
“Horn’s power stuff makes him a potential low-leverage relief option. His major league debut should come in 2024. The Cubs added him to their 40-man roster after the season.”
With the acquisition of Horn, he becomes the organization’s third healthy lefty on the 40-man roster.