When the Boston Red Sox traded Alex Verdugo, they got a number of Yankees who will receive a different perspective on one of sports’ most intense rivalries.
Greg Weissert, Nicholas Judice, and Richard Fitts all joined the light side — or dark side, depending on your point of view — in return for the outfield player. Weissert is the only one of the three pitchers with big-league experience and has had a chance to experience the in-game rivalry.
Fitts, on the other hand, told NESN about the differences between New York and Boston in terms of organizations and cities. And the right-handed pitcher has previously been to Fenway, having attended the Red Sox’s rookie development camp.
“What I enjoy most is moving from one large fan base to another. I grew up in Alabama, so there are no Major League Baseball clubs or anything. The rivalries between teams such as the Red Sox and Yankees, as well as the mere presence of those organizations, improve baseball. Fitts stated, “I’ve been able to see both ends of it, which is cool.”
New Red Sox Richard Fitts is looking forward to learning both sides of “The Rivalry”
The 24-year-old has lauded Boston for its more familial feel compared to New York. He also stated that the fervour of Red Sox Nation is apparent, and he can feel the want to win from talks he’s had both inside and outside of the clubhouse.
Depending on how his Spring Training goes, the righty could make his way onto the 40-man roster before Opening Day. Fitts spent the 2023 season with the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees’ Double-A club. He made 27 starts and finished with a 3.48 ERA in 152 2/3 innings. Fitts fanned 163 batters and issued 43 free passes.
Fitts is the Sox’s tenth-best prospect right now. Even if he has to begin his Red Sox career in Triple-A, he may have plenty of opportunities to play in rivalry games. And it’s safe to say he’ll fully embrace them.
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