ALEX CORA HINTS AT RED SOX’S HIDDEN GEM FROM PIRATES TRADE: TYLER SAMANIEGO COULD BE THE EXTRA LEFTY THE BULLPEN NEEDS

🚨The Boston Red Sox may have found an unexpected gem in their trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johan Oviedo and Jhostynxon Garcia. While the team saw a thinning of their left-handed relief depth with the departure of several key pitchers, manager Alex Cora is quick to remind fans of a sneaky acquisition that could make a significant impact. Left-handed pitcher Tyler Samaniego, who came over in the trade, is drawing attention as a potential bullpen contributor. Here’s why Sox fans should be keeping an eye on him in 2026. 👇

Red Sox’s Lefty Depth in Question After Offseason Departures
At first glance, the Red Sox bullpen seems a bit light on left-handed pitchers. Gone are Steven Matz, Brennan Bernardino, Justin Wilson, and Chris Murphy, all of whom contributed to the team’s bullpen last season. Aroldis Chapman, the American League Reliever of the Year, remains as the only southpaw with more than five relief appearances last season.

With the departure of these lefties, fans were understandably concerned about the depth on the mound. Though Jovani Morán is expected to hold a spot in the bullpen, the question remained—who would fill the gap left by the departed pitchers? That’s where Tyler Samaniego enters the picture.

Cora Praises Samaniego’s Potential and Fastball
Alex Cora has been quick to praise Samaniego’s potential since the trade, noting the impressive qualities of his fastball. Cora said, “That’s a good fastball from the left side. He has an angle and a sinker to them. He’s still young, but I was waiting for him to get out there.” Samaniego, 27, has yet to make his MLB debut, but Cora’s confidence in him suggests that the young lefty is a player to watch closely.

Samaniego’s minor league performance in 2025 was strong, as he struck out 44 batters in 38 1/3 innings. His ability to generate strikeouts has caught the attention of Cora and the Red Sox coaching staff. Even if he doesn’t break camp with the team, Cora believes that Samaniego will contribute to the Red Sox bullpen sooner rather than later.

Samaniego’s Journey and Why the Red Sox Are High on Him
Before joining the Red Sox, Samaniego pitched for Double-A under Andy Fox, the former Red Sox first base coach. Fox was quick to reach out to Cora after the trade, saying, “Hey man, this guy is going to be a big leaguer.” While Cora acknowledged that the timeline for Samaniego’s debut is uncertain, it’s clear that the Red Sox are optimistic about his future contributions.

Cora’s faith in Samaniego goes beyond his fastball. The pitcher brings a unique angle to his delivery, which could make him difficult for opposing batters to face. His development over the next few months will be crucial in determining when he’ll make his big league debut.

The Role Samaniego Could Play in the Bullpen
With the Red Sox’s bullpen questions and a shortage of left-handed options, Samaniego’s arrival could not have come at a better time. Though his experience at the MLB level is limited, the 27-year-old lefty has the potential to provide depth and stability for the Red Sox bullpen. Whether he starts the season with the team or spends some time in the minors, Cora’s comments indicate that it won’t be long before Samaniego is pitching in Fenway Park.

What’s Next for Samaniego and the Red Sox?
As the Red Sox finalize their bullpen and roster for 2026, Samaniego’s progress will be key. Given his impressive minor league numbers and Cora’s belief in his abilities, it’s likely that Samaniego will get his chance at the big league level soon. The team is still working to address their lefty needs, and if Samaniego continues to impress in spring training, he could make an immediate impact.