Red Sox Trade Nate Eaton to Athletics

[Nick John]

Just one day after the World Series concluded, Craig Breslow and the Boston Red Sox got back to work as they completed a trade with the Athletics as first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The trade is also the first by new A's president of baseball operations Taylor Smith since being hired from the Red Sox. The familiarity between Breslow and Smith likely played a key factor in a trade coming together so quickly. 

Being shipped out is speedy outfielder Nate Eaton as the Red Sox make the first of what is expected to be multiple moves to free up 40-man roster spots. Eaton, who signed as a minor-league free agent prior to 2025, appeared in 65 games across the past two seasons and hit .244/.329/.336 while mainly playing against left-handed pitchers and being utilized for his speed.

In return, the Red Sox will receive 18-year-old Jareth Rayo, a right-handed pitcher who played in the Dominican Summer League in 2026 according to Francys Romero. Rayo made 11 appearances last year and tossed 36 innings, striking out 36 batters.

The move frees up a 40-man roster spot. The club will now need to clear up at least three more by the end of Monday before free agency officially begins.

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[Behindenemylines]

Red Sox have 5 or 6 spots to clear out on the 40 man so there should be some movement over the next few days.

[Tedballgame]

Nate was a decent AAAA player who did some good things. I hope he can stick with the A's.

[moonslav59]

Bloom does this a lot. He trades players clogging the lower end of the 40 for players with options or not need to be protected.

[JoeBrady]

20 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

Bloom does this a lot. He trades players clogging the lower end of the 40 for players with options or not need to be protected.

One of the great trades of all time.  Kavadas, Vargas, Lugo, and Zeferjahn, four guys who never did anything for LAA (so far), in exchange for Garica (who never did anything for us)., 

[moonslav59]

3 hours ago, JoeBrady said:

One of the great trades of all time.  Kavadas, Vargas, Lugo, and Zeferjahn, four guys who never did anything for LAA (so far), in exchange for Garica (who never did anything for us)., 

That was the same summer of the blockbuster Ovis Portes for Lucas Sims deal.

Earlier they traded Paulino, C Coffey & Batista for Danny Jansen.

The headline stealer that summer was Yorke for Priester.

[notin]

On 10/30/2026 at 2:49 PM, JoeBrady said:

One of the great trades of all time.  Kavadas, Vargas, Lugo, and Zeferjahn, four guys who never did anything for LAA (so far), in exchange for Garica (who never did anything for us)., 

Zeferjahn was closing for the Cubs last September…

[moonslav59]

54 minutes ago, notin said:

Zeferjahn was closing for the Cubs last September…

Luis Garcia was having a decent year with the Angels and was okay for a while before that. It wasn't a bad gamble.

His 8.20 ERA in 15 IP was not what anyone expected.

Lucas Sims did not do much better. 6.43 in 14 IP. He was doing pretty good before the deal, too.

[mvp 78]

On 10/30/2026 at 3:49 PM, JoeBrady said:

One of the great trades of all time.  Kavadas, Vargas, Lugo, and Zeferjahn, four guys who never did anything for LAA (so far), in exchange for Garica (who never did anything for us)., 

Zef was mowing down hitters this season and was a good pickup for the Cubbies at the deadline. 

[moonslav59]

4 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

Zef was mowing down hitters this season and was a good pickup for the Cubbies at the deadline. 

Yes, but he'll suck next season.

[Behindenemylines]

This was a trade that was made to clear a spot on the 40 man. He was a good depth piece during his time with the Sox.