In case you missed the breaking news overnight, the Minnesota Twins made a small trade, as they shipped struggling relief pitcher Jorge Alcalá to the Boston Red Sox for utility infield prospect Andy Lugo. Given his struggles this season, it was clear that Alcalá's days with the Twins were numbered. Before the trade, Alcalá posted an 8.88 ERA in 22 appearances out of the Twins' bullpen this season. In this case, being that it was clear he was going to be out of a roster spot in the coming days, it's a worthwhile move for the Twins to get a lottery ticket for Alcalá.
Lugo was a part of the international free-agent class for the Boston Red Sox in 2022. Versatility appears to be his biggest attribute, as evidenced by his early years in the Red Sox system, during which he has played games at first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field.
Through his first three seasons, Lugo appears to be a contact-oriented hitter. Through 832 plate appearances in the Red Sox system, Lugo slashed .279/.344/.396 with 52 doubles. As he continues his development, there remains a chance that his power numbers will grow.
While Lugo only has 9 home runs to his name over his first three professional seasons, he may have already won the award for bat flip of the year. During a minor-league game in April, Lugo hit a walk-off home run that set the stage for one of the best bat flips you'll ever see.
Bat flip of the year????
— MLB (@MLB) April 21, 2025
Red Sox prospect Andy Lugo LAUNCHED his bat after this walk-off 🤣 pic.twitter.com/MwHCfRTcW7
News Twins' prospect Andy Lugo already has a flair for the dramatic in Red Sox system
If for nothing else, the Twins have already won the trade.
That was an elite bat flip, and honestly, the bat flip has kind of become pedestrian. Does a home run in the first inning of a game call for a bat flip? Absolutely not. However, at the right moment, there is no sweeter thing than watching the bat fly after a player has launched a meaningful home run. A walk-off home run certainly checks that box.
Hopefully, Lugo will be able to have an equally impressive bat flip for the Twins in the Major Leagues as he continues his professional career.