New Red Sox catching prospect Luke Heyman. (Photo courtesy of X)
The Red Sox are beefing up the catching position in the minors this offseason. Boston acquired 22-year-old catcher Luke Heyman from the Mariners for minor-league pitcher Alex Hoppe, according to multiple reports.
Seattle drafted Heyman in the 14th round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. He did not make his professional debut last season because he was recovering from a fractured forearm that shortened his final season with the Gators.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed hitter batted .301/.397/.578 with 13 homers, seven doubles, one triple, and 44 RBIs in 49 games this past spring before landing on the injured list.
Red Sox add three pitchers to 40-man roster, shielding them from Rule 5 exposure
Baseball America ranked Heyman as the No. 127 prospect in the 2025 draft, but he fell to 422nd and ultimately signed for a $230,000 bonus.
“Heyman offers plus raw power and improving swing decisions,” Baseball America wrote in its pre-draft scouting report. “He generates carry and lift to the pull side, even on pitches thrown on the outer half of the zone. While Heyman struggled somewhat with off-speed pitches, particularly changeups, he crushed velocity—a byproduct of solid bat speed and rhythm. He stays balanced through his swing and can punish mistakes over the plate.”
On the defensive side, Baseball America believes Heyman has a strong chance to remain behind the plate.
“Scouts believe he has a chance to stick behind the plate thanks to above-average arm strength and improved receiving and blocking. He presented pitches more cleanly than in years past and showed a feel for handling a staff.”
Heyman also brings a local tie: he grew up a Red Sox fan. His uncle celebrated the trade on social media, writing that the family was “so happy for him” and calling Boston “a great move for him.”
Garrett Crochet named CY Young Award finalist following stellar first season in Boston
Boston has lacked significant depth at the catcher position in the minors. Johanfran Garcia returned from a knee injury last season, and Gerardo Rodriguez emerged while splitting time between rookie ball and Single A. He hit .285 with three homers and 43 RBIs between the two affiliates in 69 games. Jorge Rodriguez, 19, has spent the last two summers in the Sox system and is knocking on the door of Single-A Salem. He hit .289 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 28 games in rookie ball.
Hoppe, 26, was a candidate to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft next month. He finished the 2025 season with the WooSox, going 0–2 with a 4.76 ERA, allowing 24 earned runs in 45⅓ innings. He posted a 27.6 percent strikeout rate and an 11.8 percent walk rate. He began the year in Double-A Portland before being promoted to Worcester down the stretch.
Red Sox reshape roster with flurry of moves
Boston selected Hoppe in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of UNC Greensboro, and he appeared in parts of three minor-league seasons in the Red Sox system from 2023 to 2025. Hoppe is a hard-throwing righty who has struggled at times with consistent command. He was added to the Mariners’ 40-man roster and will provide depth for Seattle’s bullpen next season.
To make room for Hoppe on the Mariners’ 40-man roster, Seattle designated left-handed reliever Tayler Saucedo for assignment. Saucedo is coming off a year in which he posted a 7.43 ERA in 13⅓ innings, with six walks and 12 strikeouts across 10 big-league appearances. He is entering his second year of arbitration eligibility and was projected to earn $937,500.