This offseason, Richard Fitts—an intriguing minor league arm with upside—joined the Boston Red Sox.
In December, the New York Yankees traded Alex Verdugo to the Red Sox for three pitchers, including the right-hander.
Fitts’ opportunity to showcase his abilities to Boston was enhanced on Saturday in the “Spring Breakout” game versus Atlanta Braves prospects. The 24-year-old turned in three strong innings with three strikeouts while only giving up two runs.
Fitts had previously used a good fastball-slider combo to build his stock. Fitts said he had been working on a new changeup with a different life than the one he had in the past to NESN’s Tom Caron during the broadcast following his outing. Under Boston’s new pitching regimen, such adjustments might maximize the potential of a reliable young arm.
Story continues beneath the pop-up.
Fitts is the defending Eastern League Pitcher of the Year going into the season. The right-hander began the previous season in the Yankees’ farm system and finished with a 3.48 ERA while winning 11 games. With 2.5 walks and 9.6 strikeouts in nine innings, the right-hander was also productive.
Fitts’ innings may be required in Boston this season if he can increase the variety of pitches he offers and pump strikes.