Breaking Down the Jhostynxon Garcia-Johan Oviedo Trade
On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates made their first significant move of the offseason; acquiring outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitcher Jesus Travieso from the Boston Red Sox for pitchers Johan Oviedo, Tyler Samaniego, and catcher Adonys Guzman.
Jhostynxon (pronounced Joes-tin-son) Garcia, who’s nickname is “The Password”, because of the difficulty spelling of his first name, is a Top 100 prospect by MLB Pipeline (#85), and was Boston’s third ranked prospect.
The profile on Garcia is 25-30 home run power, with an aggressive approach that could lead to a high number of strikeouts. Defensively, he’s considered average in center field, but due to his plus arm strength, will likely stick in right field.
Travieso was signed by the Red Sox out of Venezuela in January of 2024.
At 5’11, 140 pounds, Travieso pitched to a 2.77 ERA in 39 innings this past season with the FCL Red Sox.
Oviedo returned to the Pirates this year, after missing all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In nine starts for the Bucs, Oviedo posted an ERA of 3.57, along with a .182 batting average against.
Samaniego was a 15th round draft selection of Pittsburgh in 2021 out of the University of South Alabama.
The 26-year-old lefty spent most of 2025 pitching for AA Altoona, where he put a 3.08 ERA in 20 relief appearances.
Because Samaniego had been Rule 5 eligible, the Pirates added him to the 40-man roster.
Guzman was taken by Pittsburgh as a fifth round choice out of the University of Arizona in the 2025 draft.
The native of the Bronx appeared in just one game for Low A Bradenton; going 2-for-5 with a home run.
Assessment of the deal: On the surface, it’s a trade where each team dealt from surplus. The Pirates have a plethora of quality starting pitching, while the Red Sox had a logjam of talented outfielders.
For Garcia, it was going to be difficult finding a spot in Boston’s crowded outfield, and for the Pirates, they obtain an MLB ready corner outfielder with plenty of offensive upside. Meanwhile, the Red Sox add to the rotation with Oviedo, who when healthy, has shown the ability to be a good #4 starter.
It’s a good deal for both sides, and a nice start for the Pirates, in their effort to improve the offense this offseason.