The Boston Red Sox are actively exploring the possibility of acquiring Codi Heuer, a former pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who has encountered a series of injury challenges in recent seasons. According to reports from Mass Live, the Red Sox’s interest extends to a couple of relievers, with Jakob Junis and Codi Heuer being key names on their radar.
Heuer’s journey took a difficult turn when the Cubs chose not to tender him in November, a decision influenced by the right-hander’s ongoing struggles with injuries over the past two seasons. The adversity began with Tommy John surgery in early 2022, forcing him to miss the entirety of that season.
In the subsequent season, the Cubs made efforts to reintegrate Heuer into the lineup, assigning him to Triple-A Iowa for a rehabilitation assignment starting in May. However, his performance in 15 games for Iowa proved challenging, resulting in a 0-1 record with a 7.82 ERA. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by an elbow fracture during the summer. Following the diagnosis, Heuer underwent surgery and remained on Iowa’s injured list for the remainder of the season.
The circumstances surrounding Heuer’s injury attracted attention, particularly the fact that he fractured his elbow while pitching in a game. After delivering the ball, he immediately experienced pain, prompting him to jump off the mound with a visible arm injury.
Despite these recent setbacks, Codi Heuer had made a notable impact in the Majors during 2020 and 2021, representing both the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs. Over 86 games, he accumulated a record of 10-4 with a 3.56 ERA and two saves. While showcasing an impressive strikeout rate of eight hitters per nine innings, he did face challenges with a walk rate exceeding three hitters at a similar rate.
Heuer’s transition to the Cubs occurred as part of a significant 2021 trade involving closer Craig Kimbrel. In this trade, Heuer and Nick Madrigal joined the Cubs in exchange for Kimbrel. Despite the recent injury setbacks, the Boston Red Sox are evidently intrigued by Codi Heuer’s potential and are actively exploring the possibility of adding his talents to their roster. The team sees an opportunity to potentially bolster their bullpen with a pitcher who, prior to the injuries, demonstrated promise and effectiveness on the mound.
