Jake

Bennett

Bennett qualifies as an interesting pickup for the Red Sox as the type of above-average extension pitching prospect their front office typically covets after posting a strong 2.27 ERA — 2.96 FIP — and 21.5 percent strikeout rate across 75 1/3 innings across three levels in Washington’s system this past season in his return from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old southpaw figures to arrive at Fenway Park at some point next season as a back-end rotation arm. He put together an extremely impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League earlier this offseason, piling up 25 punchouts over 20 innings of work.

Bennett returned from Tommy John to post a 2.27 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance in the minors last season, and he was also one of the best pitchers in the AFL, finishing with a 4.50 ERA and a 25/5 K/BB in 20 innings. He might debut in the second half of next season. Franklin, who was acquired from the Cubs for Michael Soroka at the deadline, was also a pretty easy call here. Cornelio is more of a surprise, as neither his stuff nor command seems major league quality, but the Nationals have a lack of starting pitching depth and plenty of flexibility when it came to the 40-man roster. He might get a chance to compete for a spot in spring training.

Bennett was the Nationals’ second-round pick in the 2022 draft and had a terrific rookie season. He had a 3.14 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 63 innings across two levels before being shut down in late August. The 6'6" left-hander is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.