Dodgers Make Trade, Acquire Left-Handed Pitcher Zach Penrod From Red Sox: What It Means for Both Teams
June 21, 2025
In a quiet but potentially strategic move that could impact the stretch run of the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have officially acquired left-handed pitcher Zach Penrod from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. While the transaction may not carry the same magnitude as a blockbuster deadline deal, it represents a shift in priorities for both clubs, particularly as they each chase different types of success this year.
Who is Zach Penrod?
Zach Penrod, a 26-year-old southpaw, has spent most of the 2025 season with the Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox. Penrod was originally signed as an undrafted free agent and has slowly worked his way up through the minors thanks to a strong work ethic, a mid-90s fastball, and an impressive strikeout rate.
In 2025, Penrod has posted respectable numbers at Triple-A:
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ERA: 4.91
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WHIP: 1.32
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K/9: 10.7
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BB/9: 3.8
Over 47.2 innings pitched in relief and as a spot starter, Penrod has demonstrated flashes of being a high-leverage bullpen arm, especially when used in shorter outings where his velocity and breaking pitches play up.
Although his command still needs work, Penrod has been on the radar of several NL contenders due to his ability to get left-handed hitters out with consistency.
Why Did the Red Sox Let Him Go?
Boston’s decision to move on from Penrod comes amid a period of roster realignment following the blockbuster trade that sent All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants earlier this week. That trade has had ripple effects throughout the organization, leading to a number of 40-man roster decisions to make room for new acquisitions and prospect call-ups.
According to sources within the Red Sox organization, Penrod was designated for assignment (DFA) shortly after the Devers deal was finalized, largely due to a numbers crunch. Rather than losing him for nothing on waivers, Boston opted to trade him to the Dodgers for cash considerations, giving Penrod a fresh start while recovering some organizational flexibility.
The move may also signal the Red Sox’s confidence in younger lefties currently emerging within the system, such as Shane Drohan and Brandon Walter, both of whom have been inching closer to major league readiness.
What Does This Mean for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers, perennial World Series contenders, have been dealing with injuries in their bullpen and have lacked left-handed depth behind veteran Alex Vesia and the inconsistent Caleb Ferguson. While the acquisition of Penrod is not expected to immediately change the bullpen hierarchy, the Dodgers are hopeful that he can contribute meaningful innings in the second half of the season — or at the very least, provide organizational depth.
Manager Dave Roberts commented after the deal:
“We’re always looking to improve our pitching staff and give ourselves more options. Zach’s got a live arm and we think our development team can help him take the next step.”
Indeed, if any organization has the infrastructure to unlock a pitcher’s potential, it’s the Dodgers. Their reputation for turning castoffs into contributors — like Evan Phillips and Ryan Brasier — is well known across MLB. Penrod’s upside may make him the next name on that list.
The Bigger Picture for Both Teams
This trade reflects two franchises at different points in their competitive timelines.
The Dodgers are in win-now mode, looking to patch together a roster that has been battered by injuries to key pitchers like Walker Buehler and Dustin May. Every marginal gain matters, and a low-cost flier like Penrod is precisely the kind of depth move that could pay dividends come playoff time.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, are in the middle of a semi-rebuild after trading Devers and resetting their payroll. New team president Craig Breslow is being aggressive about reshaping the roster in his image, prioritizing long-term flexibility and internal development over short-term results.
While some Red Sox fans have expressed frustration about the Devers trade and subsequent moves like DFA’ing Penrod, others understand that the franchise is entering a retooling phase, where prospects and payroll discipline take precedence.
What’s Next for Penrod?
It’s unclear whether Penrod will go straight to the Dodgers’ major league roster or start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but the opportunity is clear: prove that he belongs on a playoff-bound pitching staff.
The move to a team known for its pitching development and analytics-driven approach could be a major turning point in Penrod’s career. If he can tighten his command and keep lefties in check, the Dodgers may have landed another diamond in the rough.
Final Thoughts
While not headline-grabbing, the Zach Penrod trade could become one of those under-the-radar moves that fans look back on with appreciation come October. For the Dodgers, it’s a low-risk, high-upside investment. For the Red Sox, it’s a necessary roster adjustment in a time of transition.
Whether or not Penrod becomes a staple in the Dodgers bullpen, this deal is yet another example of the constant roster chess that defines modern MLB front offices — one that, when played well, separates contenders from pretenders.