Red Sox, Rockies prove the hot stove still works with random trade

The Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies actually made a trade this Hot Stove season, albeit a minor one.

This MLB Hot Stove season has not even been simmering thus far. In fact, it’s operating like a stove that’s struggling to light. That can mostly be attributed to the ongoing financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that MLB and the Players Association continuing negotiations regarding the rules for the 2021 season. Well, we’re happy to report that we have a trade a full day after the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired reliever Corey Knebel from the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Boston Red Sox have acquired minor league infielder Christian Koss from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league pitcher Yoan Aybar.

A small trade, but a trade nonetheless

Hey, you baseball fans wanted some transactions, so don’t complain if it’s not the big splash you were hoping for. At this rate, it’s better than nothing.

Koss was a 12th round pick by the Rockies in the 2019 MLB Draft out of California-Irvine. Koss started off his minor league career that year in the Pioneer League, and was used as a shortstop. While he was known for his fielding abilities, Koss impressed in the batters box. In 53 games, Koss slashed .332/.447/.605 while recording 11 home runs and 53 RBI.

Aybar, on the other hand, was signed by the Red Sox out of the Dominican Republic in 2013 as an outfielder. But in 2018, Boston decided to convert him into a relief pitcher due to his incredible arm strength. Aybar spent his last full season across Single-A, where he recorded a 4.61 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 44 games, all while striking out 70 batters in 56.2 innings fo work.

This is the epitome of a minor trade. Neither player is ranked on their respective teams’ top-30 prospects lists, so it was really a matter of preference. The Red Sox wanted an infielder, while the Rockies needed a pitcher. Hence, this transaction came to fruition.