Red Sox sign minor league left-handed reliever, second pitcher from the Mariners organization to join Boston this offseason
The Boston Red Sox signed minor leaguer left-handed pitcher Jorge Benitez, per an announcement on his Instagram page. The deal includes a spring training invitation, per MiLB Central.
This is the second Mariners minor leaguer Boston has acquired this offseason, the club also acquired righty Isaiah Campbell in the Luis UrÃas trade.
The 24-year-old compiled a 2.14 ERA in 59 innings pitched with 74 strikeouts with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers (Mariners affiliate).
Overall last season, Benitez pitched in 45 games, posting a 2-5 record with a 1.95 ERA, 82 strike outs and 1.33 WHIP over 64 2/3 innings. Benitez had seven holds, while covering one save in five opportunities. His command was an issue at times with a 5.95 BB/9.
The 6-foot-2 lefty throws from a low-three-quarters arm slot. He offers a fastball with low velocity that goes between 91-92 mph and a breaking ball. He’s shown that he can get sink on his heater and can get swing and misses when he goes up and in on right-handed hitters.
Benitez was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League last offseason after a strong season. He split time between Low-A Modest and High-A Everett, going 5–3 with 14 saves and a 2.96 ERA (16 ER, 48.2 IP) in 36 relief appearances.
Benitez was originally a ninth-round round draft pick in 2017 by Seattle out of Leadership Christian Academy. He signed with the Mariners for $150,000 and began his professional career.
This move provides organizational depth, Boston lacks lefty relievers, Joe Jacques and Brennan Bernardino are the only two true lefty relievers on the 40-man roster. The team also has Chris Murphy and Brandon Walter who can both start, toss bulk innings and be relief options next season.
