Dodgers Acquire Left-Hander Zach Penrod in Trade with Red Sox
The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed pitcher Zach Penrod from the Boston Red Sox, according to reports. The deal, announced earlier this week, brings a hard-throwing arm to Los Angeles with significant upside.
The move comes after the Red Sox designated Penrod for assignment, a consequence of their recent blockbuster trade involving Rafael Devers. In acquiring two players for their 40-man roster, the team had to make a corresponding move.
Penrod’s Unusual Path to the Majors
Penrod’s journey to the majors is a testament to perseverance. After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Texas Rangers in 2018, he pitched briefly in their system before being released during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He then spent three years honing his craft in the independent Pioneer League before attracting the attention of Red Sox scouts.
A strong showing in the minor leagues during 2024 earned Penrod a spot on the 40-man roster. Across three levels, he pitched 62 2/3 innings, posting a 4.16 ERA. His impressive 34.8% strikeout rate was offset by a 12.4% walk rate. The Red Sox rewarded his performance with a call-up to the majors in the second half of the season, where he pitched four innings.
Injury Setback and Mixed Results
Penrod entered 2025 with a chance to earn a bullpen spot, but an elbow injury in spring training sidelined him for nearly three months. Since returning to the mound in late May, he’s pitched 7 1/3 innings in the minors. While he’s allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out nine batters (25%), he’s also issued seven walks and tossed three wild pitches.
A senior baseball analyst noted, "Command has never been a particularly strong suit for Penrod." However, it’s understandable that there might be some rust, considering he was initially diagnosed with elbow inflammation in late February and didn’t return to game action until May 24.
Penrod’s fastball averaged 95 mph in 2024, mirroring his velocity from the previous year, with a significant 15% swinging-strike rate.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Flexibility
Penrod’s arrival gives the Dodgers a hard-throwing lefty with the potential to miss bats. Crucially, he also comes with three minor-league option years remaining. The Dodgers are known for frequently shuffling the final spots in their bullpen, making Penrod’s skillset and flexibility particularly valuable.
The Dodgers’ front office is known for their commitment to player development and the ability to maximize talent, which likely factored into the acquisition.
A sports writer concluded, "The Dodgers see potential in Penrod, and his option years give them the flexibility to see if they can unlock it."
