While Alex Verdugo proved to be a rental in 2024 for the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox are still reaping the rewards of the December 2023 trade.

Greg Weissert is a key part of the Red Sox bullpen, appearing in 22 games for the Sox and pitching to a 3.00 ERA.

The top prospect in the deal that sent Verdugo to New York, however, was Richard Fitts, then the No. 13 prospect in the Yankees' system. 

After three strong starts to open the season, Fitts was pulled with a right pectoral strain, which has sidelined him ever since.

Fitts, who pitched to a 1.74 ERA in 2024, showed promise in a recent rehab start for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs as he looks to return from the pec injury.

Fitts threw three scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no walks, and crucially, his fastball topped out at 95 mph despite a chilly and damp weather forecast for Thursday's game.

Fitts only threw 38 pitches, which isn't a lot for a full-time starter and indicates he still has a ways to go before he returns to the big leagues.

The Red Sox haven't exactly gotten the success from their pitching as they'd hoped after an offseason that saw them trade for and sign Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval while getting Lucas Giolito back. Their 4.03 collective ERA ranks 18th in the MLB.

A return from Fitts, who was heralded for his strong stuff, would be huge for a team that needs a push to continue competing with the Yankees.

Related: Alex Verdugo Free Agency Update Leaves Yankees Stunned

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Prized Alex Verdugo Trade Piece Richard Fitts Showing Promise first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025

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