Late on June 11, the Red Sox & Twins made a one-for-one swap. Minnesota traded Jorge Alcala to the Red Sox for Minor League infielder Andy Lugo, ending Alcala’s run in the Twin Cities.
A Look at Alcala
Last season, new Red Sox reliever Jorge Alcala was an important arm for the Twins. Alcala struck out 58 over 58.1 IP, along with a 1.03 WHIP and 3.24 ERA. But as life goes for many relievers, numbers can fluctuate on a year-to-year basis.
This season with Minnesota, Alcala posted a 8.88 ERA across 22 appearances.
A 29-year-old reliever, Jorge Alcala boasts an impressive fastball both visually and statistically. His fastball had above-average induced movement (18.3” IVB) and generated carry from his high arm slot.
Add in velocity — Alcala regularly touches the upper-90s — and it’s a recipe for success. The ex-Twins reliever netted a whiff on the pitch 29.9% of the time last season, and nearly the same (28.2%) this season.
The numbers on Alcala’s slider weren’t impressive in 2025. What was his go-to breaking ball in 2024 saw more inconsistent pitch movement, and when it was in the zone, it got hit. Opposing hitters batted .389 with a 15.9% Whiff% on it, compared to .204 AVG/32.6% Whiff% last season.
He’s thrown the slider significantly less this season, and has worked in a hard curveball this season. And aside from those two secondary offerings, Alcala throws a carrying two-seamer, along with a changeup.
In return, the Twins received utilityman Andy Lugo. Lugo, with High-A Greenville, has set career-high marks for power this season. The 21-year-old hit four home runs and had a .430 SLG in the South Atlantic League.
Lugo stole 28 bases across 108 games last season. He’s played all over the infield and outfield but primarily spent time at first & third this season.
Analysis
This is the second notable move the Twins & Red Sox have made over the last year, both of which involved relievers. On Christmas Eve 2024, the Twins traded left-hander Jovani Moran to Boston for utilityman Mickey Gasper.
Minnesota just added another left-hander, Joey Wentz, off waivers on June 11. Given that, Alcala was on the outs and likely getting DFA’d. Instead, the Twins get a project utilityman for the right-handed reliever.
As for the Red Sox, it’s more depth for the bullpen. Alcala can get outs despite the subpar performances this season, and on paper, fits the bill for an intriguing middle reliever. Power stuff, multiple pitches to work with, and a track record of results from last season.
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