The Red Sox and Twins announced a trade on Christmas Eve, one that saw infielder Mickey Gasper head to Minnesota for Jovani Moran. Moran didn’t pitch in 2024 amidst elbow surgery recovery. But, the new Red Sox left-hander did flash plus stuff at times with the Twins.
A Look at Moran
Former Twins left-hander Jovani Moran stormed to the Majors for his debut in 2021. That season, the left-hander struck out 109 batters over 67.1 IP in the Minors before the jump to Minnesota.
A year later, Moran struck out 54 over 40.2 IP and became a key reliever late in the 2022 season for the Twins. Moran, though, was consistenly on the shuttle between Minnesota and St. Paul (AAA) that year.
However, his numbers were not strong in 2023. Moran gave up the first three home runs in his MLB career, walked 27 over 42.1 IP, and a 5.31 ERA. A left forearm strain and subsequent elbow surgery ended Moran’s 2023 season in August.
Command is Moran’s biggest issue. The 27-year-old walked 14.7% of batters in 2023, and just a slightly-lower 11.0% BB% in 2023. It greatly diminishes the value of Moran, who has good stuff despite the command problems.
The new Red Sox hurler got results with his four-seamer, which had a high 26% Whiff% rate two years ago. It’s a pitch that sits in the low-to-mid-90s. But, Moran has above-average extension and plenty of induced movement (18.0”). His fastball is a good weapon to tunnel off his plus changeup, Moran’s best pitch.
It’s not a pitch that has plus vertical drop — it actually has -1.9” less than the league average — but differs in velocity by about 10 MPH compared to his fastball, which has good carry. Hence, creating a strong optical difference between the rising fastball and the falling changeup.
His changeup had a 50.9% Whiff% on it in 2023, making it one of the more formidable pitches of its kind. The year earlier, Moran had a 49.7% Whiff% on the change.
Moran also leveraged a slider more in 2023, and has used a curveball from time to time.
Moran did not pitch in 2024, thanks to Tommy John surgery recovery. The 27-year-old was non-tendered last November in a proceedural move to clear a 40-man roster spot, as the Twins re-signed him to a Minor League deal shortly thereafter. He has one option remaining.
In return, the Twins got infielder Mickey Gasper. Gasper, a 27th-round pick back in 2018, is a 5’10” primary first baseman who can play second & a hit-over-power bat. However, his eye is what is likely the most appealing part of Gasper’s game. The 29-year-old walked 58 times over 92 games and posted a .439 OBP between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Should Gasper return to the Majors with Minnesota, he’ll still be looking for his first big league hit despite getting looks last season. Gasper went 0-18 (4 BB, 8 K) over 13 games in Boston last season.
Analysis
Given how little Moran gave up hard contact and how fluid reliever performance can be on a year-to-year basis, it’s likely fair to forget about the ERA from Moran’s 2023 campaign.
Rather, Moran — once he’s fully healthy — could provide a strong change-of-pace option for Alex Cora. Heading into 2025, Boston’s left-handed relief options include the recently-signed flamethrower Aroldis Chapman, sinker & curveball pitcher Brennan Bernardino, and Justin Wilson.
Moran slots in behind those names on the Red Sox’s depth chart. The reality is that Moran is a solid depth reliever despite his flaws. However, those flaws do diminish his value.