Garrett Cooper will just have to switch jerseys and dugouts after the Chicago Cubs traded him to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
The Cubs are at Fenway Park in Boston as they take on the Red Sox for a weekend series.
Cooper was signed by the Cubs this offseason to a minor league deal, but his stint with them lasted only 41 plate appearances before being designated for assignment.
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Now, the 2022 MLB All-Star has been traded to the Red Sox, according to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald.
“The Chicago Cubs have traded Garrett Cooper to the Boston Red Sox per sources.”
The first baseman earned a spot on the Opening Day roster and posted a respectable .270/.341/.432 slash line with one home run over 41 plate appearances.
Initially brought in by the Cubs to provide veteran depth at first base alongside Michael Busch, Cooper found himself relegated to primarily DH and pinch-hitting duties due to Busch’s outstanding performance.
Chicago’s decision to designate Cooper was also influenced by the desire to add Matt Mervis to the active roster, as Mervis had been playing well at Triple-A.
While Cooper’s playing time diminished in Chicago, the Red Sox found themselves in need of a first baseman when Triston Casas landed on the 15-day IL.
Casas’ recovery timeline remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 3 to 9 weeks.
Boston had shown interest in Cooper back in January when he was still a free agent, and they have now acquired him, albeit a few months later than initially anticipated.
Throughout his eight MLB seasons, Cooper has compiled a solid .268/.337/.435 batting line over 1,854 career plate appearances, including 57 home runs.
Despite his consistent performance, Cooper often flew under the radar while playing for a rebuilding Miami Marlins team, and injuries further limited his playing time.
He earned an All-Star nod in 2022, though his production dipped to a modest .251/.304/.419 combined between the Marlins and San Diego Padres in 2023.
