It’s MLB Trade Deadline Day. The Cincinnati Reds have been very busy working the phones. They’ve already traded their biggest acquistion of the 2023-24 free agency RHP Frankie Montas to a division rival, now they’re trading one of their better bullpen arms, Lucas Sims, as well.
The Return
In this deal, the Cincinnati Reds got back 19 year old Ovis Portes, a right handed pitching prospect. According to Sox Prospects, Ovis is very tall, throws from 3 quarters arm slot with a lot of speed generated from his release point. His fastball sits at 95-98 and can hit triple digits with more strength. Very easy velocity. He also has a changeup and slider, his changeup is still under construction.
So far in 2024, he’s pitched at FCL (Rookie League) and he was promoted to A ball where he’s made 5 starts so far and has a 3.43 ERA with 15 walks & 25 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. Ovis is definitely a project arm, one that likely will end up in the bullpen throwing easy heat. He will report to the Cincinnati Reds’ A ball affiliate Daytona Tortugas.
Bio: Ovis was born in St. Johns, Antigua/Barbuda and is 6’4″ 170 lbs and is 19 years old. He is the first professional baseball player to sign from Antigua and Barbuda. Source Soxprospects.com – He signed for $25,000
Found some video on him:
Lucas Sims Departs
Lucas Sims had a very up and down career with the Cincinnati Reds. One month he could locate his stuff, the next he couldn’t. I’m sure a lot of Reds fans are happy he’s gone. Me? I think I am. He’s a good dude, but 5.0 walks per 9 speak for itself. It was exhausting watching David Bell trot him out there in crucial spots for him to collapse. Best of luck in Boston, Lucas.
