The Boston Red Sox signed 28-year-old left-handed pitcher Alec Gamboa to a minor league deal on Dec. 18, according to the team’s transaction log.
Gamboa was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and has been with the organization ever since. He was released on May 13 and made 19 starts in the Korea Baseball Organization this year.
In 19 KBO starts, he posted a 3.58 ERA and recorded 117 strikeouts. Gamboa has posted some solid seasons in the minor leagues, appearing as both a starter and reliever as he moved up the Dodgers organization.
In 2024, he dealt with some injuries, but in 22 appearances, he had a 3.30 ERA for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He made 12 starts that season. The Red Sox have assigned him to Triple-A Worcester following his solid season in Korea.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Gamboa’s deal includes an invite to spring training. His contract will be worth $950,000 if he reaches the big leagues. He will have a chance to establish himself as a bullpen option or starting pitching depth with the Red Sox in spring training.
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Gamboa has not made his big league debut yet, and in six seasons with the Dodgers organization, he has a 4.23 ERA. He has made 41 starts in 131 appearances. In Triple-A, he has a 3.92 ERA in 53 games.
Perhaps his experience in Korea will help him take the next step and finally reach the big leagues. In 11 games with the Lotte Giants, he had 10 quality starts and 13 games where he struck out at least six batters.
