MLB Weekly Digest: Superstar Trade, Top Prospect Called Up

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This week in MLB featured a blockbuster trade, more pitcher injuries, and top prospects being called up to the major leagues.

Devers traded to the Giants –

The baseball world was shocked Sunday when star DH Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

Full trade: The San Francisco Giants are acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox for Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs and Jose Bello, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 15, 2025

The trade package back to the Red Sox includes LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Jordan Hicks, OF prospect James Tibbs III, and RHP prospect Jose Bello.

The trade package for Devers is not one headlined by top prospects, the main reason due to his massive contract. Devers signed a 10-year, $315,350,000 contract with the Red Sox in 2023. He is still owed roughly $250 million over the next eight seasons.

Devers has had a stellar start to the season, slashing .271/.400/.494 with 15 homers in 72 games, although filled with controversy about his unwillingness to switch positions, which may have ultimately led to the trade.

Civale traded for Vaughn –

Following a rough start to the season, the Milwaukee Brewers moved RHP Aaron Civale to the bullpen. Civale was not pleased with this move and, in return, requested to be traded.

“Just a situation like I said, I feel like I have a lot left to give to this game as a starting pitcher, and I think that’s how I prepare for the game,” Civale said. “That’s how I prepare in the offseason, both physically and mentally. And hopefully I can continue to do that and give to this organization how I’ve always have.”

On Friday, his wish was granted, and he was sent to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for OF/1B Andrew Vaughn.

Aaron Civale, who wanted out of Milwaukee, is now traded to the Chicago White Sox, per @JonHeyman

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 13, 2025

Civale, 30, has pitched to a 4.91 ERA in five starts and 22 innings pitched. A career 4.06 ERA in 122 starts, Civale has been a solid back-end of the rotation starter during his career, while struggling with inconsistencies with staying healthy. He will be a free agent following the 2025 season.

Vaughn, 27, was drafted third overall in the 2019 MLB draft. He made his debut in 2021 and has struggled to become a mainstay in the major leagues. Vaugh has a career 97 OPS+, making him 3 points below league average.

This season, Vaughn slashed .189/.218/.314, which earned him a demotion, even from the White Sox. The Brewers optioned him to Triple-A after the deal.

Civale made his White Sox debut Sunday, finishing with a statline of 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, and 4 K.

Jobe and Martinez to undergo Tommy John –

The Tigers and Diamondbacks received bad news regarding young arms this week.

Jackson Jobe will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the Tigers announced. pic.twitter.com/fAzfUFhT8j

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 11, 2025

Jackson Jobe, 22, was placed on the IL May 28th with a Grade 1 right flexor strain. He will now undergo season-ending surgery.

His season will conclude at a 4-1 record with a 4.22 ERA and 39 K in 49 IP. He was drafted third overall in the 2021 draft and came into the season as the #7 prospect in all of MLB.

Justin Martinez, 23, will also undergo Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him until at least 2026. This is the second time Martinez has undergone this surgery.

Martínez broke out last year with 72 2/3 innings with a 2.48 ERA. This season has been more up and down, posting a 4.11 ERA in 15.1 IP with 5 saves.

The Diamondbacks gave Martinez a five-year, $18MM extension before the start of the 2025 season. With this surgery, the Diamondbacks have now unlocked a club option for 2032 with $3MM due to this elbow surgery. This was a clause in the contract.

Dbacks closer Justin Martinez is OUT for the season with a UCL sprain in his right elbow, Torey Lovullo announced on @MLBNetworkRadio.

He is expected to be sidelined at least 12 to 13 months. pic.twitter.com/S1IJXQTRsT

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 13, 2025

Both RHPs will have their season cut short early and will begin lengthy rehab processes.

Roman Anthony Called Up –

The Boston Red Sox are calling up outfielder Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, sources tell ESPN. Anthony, 21, is expected to join the team today.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 9, 2025

The Red Sox finally called up the top prospect in MLB, OF Roman Anthony, on Monday.

Throughout his first week of MLB action, Anthony has primarily played LF and has struggled at the plate, recording only one hit in 16 plate appearances.

His call-up was a corresponding move to placing OF Wilyer Abreu on the IL.

With the trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants, Anthony is expected to remain in the mix in the outfield and potentially DH, with Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, and Wilyer Abreu when all are healthy.

Shohei Ohtani to start Monday vs the Padres –

Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers tomorrow night against the San Diego Padres.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 16, 2025

The pitching debut of Shohei Ohtani for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be tomorrow vs the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani, 30, has not pitched in a game since August 23rd, 2023, as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. After the season, he underwent a procedure to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament, the second major elbow surgery in his career.

Ohtani is expected only to throw 40 pitches maximum, and 1-2 innings.

“I think it’s more driven by the fact that it doesn’t necessarily need to be a typical starting pitcher rampup,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Then to potentially keep running this process out, to have him taxed for a game, where he feels that he’s equipped to go an inning or two and then continue to build up from there right now — in that sense, not surprising.”

Ohtani signed the largest contract in baseball history when he signed with the Dodgers for 10 years, $700MM. His two-way ability was the main reason he received such a large contract.

Shohei has a career 3.01 ERA in 481.2 IP with 608 K. A huge story for the Dodgers as their rotation continues to be hit by the injury bug.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

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