Ex-Red Sox Prospect Hits First MLB Home Run With Angels

Niko Kavadas developed with some potential in the Boston Red Sox farm system. However, the Notre Dame product didn’t have a clear path to playing time at higher levels due to incumbent talent.

At this year’s trade deadline, Kavadas moved to the Los Angeles Angels as one of four players sent West when the Red Sox traded for reliever Luis Garcia.

As the Angels tend to do, Kavadas earned a quick promotion and made his MLB debut with Los Angeles on Aug. 16. Thursday night also brought a first for the power hitter when he blasted his first MLB home run, a three-run shot to left field at Rogers Centre off of Toronto Blue Jays righty Tommy Nance.

The long ball also served as Kavadas’ first MLB hit in a memorable night for the fourth-year pro.

The Red Sox selected Kavadas in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. In his minor league career, Kavadas slashed .250/.410/.498 with 69 home runs and a .908 OPS.