The Boston Red Sox took a step in the right direction on Thursday with a trade for first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda from the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations, the team’s official X account announced:
Noda had a decent rookie campaign in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics, batting .229 with a .770 OPS and a 118 OPS+. Most impressively, he chipped in 16 home runs over 128 games and 406 at-bats. That left-handed, pull power is a natural fit for the hitter-friendly right field at Fenway Park..
Advertisement
Noda did strike out 170 times to only 77 walks that season, but legitimate pop is hard to come by, and the Red Sox were in no position to refuse any contributions.
Los Angeles Angels first base Ryan Noda (49) reacts after winning an appeal on a strike three call that was reversed during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex.Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Unfortunately for Noda, his 2024 season did not build upon his rookie year potential. He was hit by a pitch by a pitching machine in batting practice and was later placed on the 60-day injured list with elbow impingement.
Between the off-field woes and on-field lack of production (.137 batting average, .465 OPS, 38 OPS+, one home run over 36 games and 95 at-bats), Noda was disappointingly optioned by the Athletics before the Angels claimed him last November.
Advertisement
Noda has not yet made an MLB appearance this season and for good reason. His Triple-A numbers are too similar to his 2024 stat line with a .148 batting average, a .633 OPS, and four home runs over 38 games.
Red Sox fans should temper their expectations, but the grim outlook at first has forced these types of moves. Hopefully, Noda can channel some of that 2023 success and ease the loss of Triston Casas.
Related: Red Sox Get Positive Injury Update on 1.74 ERA Starter
Red Sox acquire Ryan Noda from Angels for cash considerations first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025