The Boston Red Sox moved quickly after the 2026 World Series ended on Wednesday night, re-signing right-hander Angel Bastardo on Thursday.
Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com reported that Boston brought Bastardo back on a minor league deal for 2027 that includes an MLB Spring Training invite. MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo later confirmed the report and added that the 24-year-old will be a non-roster invitee to camp.
Bastardo’s 2026 season came with some turbulence, but the arm is still very much in the mix for Boston. In Triple-A Worcester, he went 6-1 with a 4.84 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 54.1 innings, while averaging 96.2 MPH on his fastball. He also posted a 4.64 ERA across 40 appearances in Worcester after returning to the mound for the first time since June 5, 2024.
His road back has been a winding one. The Toronto Blue Jays picked Bastardo in the Major League phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, but he missed the entire 2025 season.
Entering 2026, the Rule 5 rules still applied, which meant Toronto had to keep him on the roster or send him back. He didn’t make the Blue Jays’ Opening Day club and was returned to Boston after clearing waivers.
Before Toronto took him in the Rule 5 Draft, Bastardo was ranked as Boston’s No. 28 prospect. The fastball remains his calling card, sitting in the high-90s, and by the time 2027 arrives he’ll be another year removed from the injury that sidelined him.
For the Red Sox, this is the kind of move that doesn’t carry much risk. They get a cheap look at a 24-year-old bullpen arm who is close to the majors, and Bastardo gets a shot to prove himself in camp.
If he turns heads, Boston could have a real option for the big league bullpen. If not, he’ll be back in Triple-A and still in the organization’s bullpen pipeline for later in the season.
Boston made the signing fast, and it fits the kind of depth move teams are always hunting for. Bastardo is one step away, and 2027 could be his chance.
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