Red Sox add Lucas Sims in trade with Reds

The Red Sox got some additional help for their bullpen ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline in the form of Reds reliever Lucas Sims.

The deal was announced Tuesday afternoon, with Boston acquiring Sims in exchange for 19-year-old pitching prospect Ovis Portes. The Red Sox also designated Brandon Walter for assignment at the same time.

Sims, 30, has a 3.57 ERA over 35.1 innings (43 appearances) so far in 2024. He averages a mid-90s fastball with a mid-80s sweeper. Sims also occasionally uses a cutter and curveball. Statistically, he ranks in the 95th percentile in average exit velocity, which equates to a relatively low 86.1 mph.

Sims was originally selected in the first round (21st overall) by the Braves in 2012, but was traded to Cincinnati in 2018 along with Preston Tucker and Matt Wisler in exchange for Adam Duvall.

As for his role, Sims could bolster Boston’s pitching staff, which has struggled since the All-Star break. After helping put the team in position to clinch a playoff spot ahead of the Midsummer Classic, the Red Sox’ pitching has struggled in recent weeks. The Red Sox have allowed seven or more runs in eight of their last 10 games, including five straight.

He will be a free agent after the 2024 season.

It’s the second pitching-centric trade the Red Sox have made in as many days, after acquiring Pirates left-hander Quinn Priester on Monday. Boston also acquired starter James Paxton from the Dodgers last week.

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