Red Sox Acquire Bronx Native with Tony Peña-Like Arm on His Birthday

Adonys Guzman celebrated his 22nd birthday with significant news. The Boston Red Sox acquired the Bronx native in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This trade included starting pitcher Johan Oviedo and 26-year-old reliever Tyler Samaniego moving to Boston, while the Sox sent outfield prospect Jhostynxon “The Password” Garcia and Jesus Travieso to Pittsburgh.

Career Overview of Adonys Guzman

Guzman, originally drafted by the Pirates in 2025 out of Arizona, previously attended Boston College as a freshman in 2023. Known for his exceptional arm and defensive skills, Guzman’s talents were recognized early, as Baseball America rated his arm at 80 and his fielding at 70 on their 20-80 grading scale.

Impressive Training and Background

Guzman spoke about his unexpected trade, reflecting on how quickly circumstances can change in professional baseball. “It’s been a pretty weird last 24 hours,” he said. He initially planned to celebrate with friends but chose to stay home to process the news.

• Arm Strength: Guzman’s arm strength distinguished him during his youth. He started catching at age 14, focusing on skills like receiving and blocking.
• Influences: Guzman admired figures like Tony Peña, known for his unique catching style and strong arm, which influenced his own technique.
• Offensive Stats: In 2025 at Arizona, Guzman recorded a .328 batting average with nine home runs and a .907 OPS—statistically impressive for his position.

Transitioning into the Big Leagues

Despite being graded highly, Guzman went undrafted due to the competitive nature of high school catching prospects. He gained experience with the Pirates in spring training, playing one game in Low-A Bradenton where he marked his first professional hit with a home run.

Future with the Red Sox

Guzman expressed enthusiasm about joining the Red Sox, reflecting on his history of watching the team as a Bronx kid. “I always had my eye on the Red Sox,” he stated, appreciating the franchise’s competitiveness and legacy.

As Guzman begins this new chapter, he brings with him a strong defensive profile and a solid offensive game. With notable figures in the organization, he looks forward to enhancing his skills and contributing to the Red Sox.