Nate Eaton Trade Details: Red Sox Acquire Pitcher in Deal With Athletics

Nate Eaton Trade Details: Red Sox Acquire Pitcher in Deal With Athletics originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Red Sox have made their first trade of the offseason, sending outfielder Nate Eaton to the Athletics in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jareth Rayo.

The #RedSox today traded OF Nate Eaton to the Athletics, in exchange for minor league RHP Jareth Rayo.

— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 29, 2026

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale first reported the Eaton trade, while Francys Romero reported that Boston would receive Rayo in return. The deal gives the Red Sox another young arm to develop as they begin shaping their roster for the 2027 season.

Rayo, 18, spent his first professional season in the Dominican Summer League after joining the Athletics organization as an international amateur. The Nicaragua native stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds.

The right-hander made 11 appearances, including nine starts, in 2026. He finished with a 1-1 record and a 5.50 ERA across 36 innings, striking out 36 batters while issuing 20 walks.

Those numbers offer an early look at Rayo’s potential and the areas he must refine as he advances through professional baseball. He has yet to pitch above rookie ball, making him a developmental addition rather than an immediate option for Boston’s major-league staff.

Nate Eaton’s Time With the Red Sox

Eaton spent the 2026 season moving between Boston and Triple-A Worcester, serving as a depth option for a club navigating a long major-league schedule.

The 29-year-old appeared in 24 regular-season games with the Red Sox, batting .160 with one home run and six RBIs across 50 at-bats. He also appeared in the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, going 1-for-2.

His production was stronger at Worcester. Eaton played 84 games with the WooSox, hitting .253 with a .338 on-base percentage and a .410 slugging percentage. He added nine home runs, 44 RBIs and 18 stolen bases, providing a combination of power and speed at the Triple-A level.

Eaton’s defensive versatility was another part of his value. He could provide coverage in the outfield and at third base, giving Boston flexibility when making lineup changes or managing its bench.

The Kansas City Royals selected Eaton in the 21st round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Virginia Military Institute. He made his major-league debut in 2022 and later joined Boston, appearing in games for the Red Sox during the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

His limited opportunities at the plate in 2026 made it difficult to establish himself as a regular contributor in Boston. The trade gives him a fresh opportunity with the Athletics as he looks to earn a more consistent place in a major-league organization.

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