Oviedo’s swing-and-miss stuff on the mound could make him an intriguing pickup.
Johan Oviedo is an intriguing addition to Boston’s rotation. AP Photo/Colin Hubbard
A week after Boston acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray in a deal with the Cardinals, Craig Breslow and the Red Sox were at it again on Thursday.
The Red Sox announced that they acquired pitcher Johan Oviedo from the Pirates as part of a five-player swap.
Boston is trading outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and Single-A pitcher Jesus Travieso to Pittsburgh as part of the deal. Along with Oviedo, the Red Sox also acquired minor leaguers Tyler Samaniego and Adonys Guzman from Pittsburgh in the deal.
Oviedo, 27, is an intriguing addition to Boston’s rotation, especially further down on the depth chart. An imposing presence on the mound at 6-foot-6 and and 275 pounds, Oviedo has dealt with some injuries over the last few years.
He missed all of the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery. The Cuban-born righty only made nine starts in 2025 after also being sidelined due to a lat injury, but sported a 3.57 ERA over that stretch.
Oviedo could be an intriguing project for Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey to work with, as he struck out 42 batters over his 40.1 innings of work last season. But beyond those injury woes, Oviedo also struggled with command.
Oviedo led the league in hit batters in 2023 (13), and also walked 23 batters over those 40.1 innings last summer.
Johan Oviedo is another intriguing arm to bring into this pitching lab.
Had a 3.57 ERA/4.92 FIP in 9 starts this past season. Control was a bit all over the place after Tommy John.
6’6 with 93rd percentile extension and 80th percentile FB velo.
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) December 5, 2025
Oviedo may not be the answer in Boston’s pursuit of a proven No. 2 stalwart to place behind Garrett Crochet atop the Red Sox rotation. But he could have untapped potential as a No. 4 or No. 5 option if Boston can utilize his talent (and keep him healthy).
Garcia raised his stock as one of Boston’s top prospects this past summer. The 22-year-old outfielder — nicknamed “The Password” — hit .261 with 21 home runs and 75 RBI across across 114 games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester last season.
Garcia, who appeared in five games with Boston in 2025, could be an impact bat at the big-league level moving forward for Pittsburgh. But with the Red Sox’ outfield already crowded between Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu, Garcia didn’t have much of a runway to establish himself with Boston in 2026.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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