It took less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the World Series for the Athletics and Red Sox to connect for the first trade of the offseason.
The A’s acquired outfielder Nate Eaton from Boston on Thursday in exchange for Minor League right-hander Jareth Rayo. In addition to the move, the A’s announced that right-handers Henry Baez, Joey Estes and Geoff Hartlieb; catcher Brian Serven; infielder Michael Stefanic; and outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Eaton, 29, has seen limited time in the Majors with the Red Sox over the past two seasons. He appeared in 24 games for Boston in 2026, hitting .160 with a .560 OPS, one home run, two doubles and six RBIs.
TRADE DETAILS
Athletics receive: OF/3B Nate Eaton
Red Sox receive: Minor League RHP Jareth Rayo
Capable of playing all three outfield spots and even some third base, Eaton, who was part of a 40-man roster crunch with Boston, will likely provide the A’s with extra Minor League outfield depth at Triple-A.
Rayo, 18, signed with the A’s during the 2024-25 international signing period out of Nicaragua. He made 11 appearances (nine starts) in the Dominican Summer League in 2026, posting a 5.50 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 20 walks across 36 innings.
Thursday’s trade marks the first official move for the A’s since the hiring of new president of baseball operations Taylor Smith. There is also some history between the two sides here, as Smith previously worked in Boston’s front office under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow from 2024-26.