Jonathan Aro

The Boston Red Sox signed Aro as an international free agent in June 2011. He grew up in the Dominican Republic idolizing Red Sox legend and Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez. His pitching repertoire includes a 91–93 mph fastball which occasionally reaches 95 mph, as well as an 83–85 mph changeup and a slurve at 78–81 mph with a short, 11-to-5 break, throwing most of them for strikes.[1]

Aro made a fast ascent in the Boston Minor League system in a span of four years. After spending a full season each with the DSL Red Sox, GCL Red Sox, and Lowell Spinners from 2011 through 2013, he spent 2014 with the Salem Red Sox and the Greenville Drive. Besides, he was named a SoxProspects.com All-Star in both 2013 and 2014, and was also honored as South Atlantic League All-Star in the 2014 season, after finishing with a record of 1–3 and a 2.16 ERA and 10 saves in 25 games, including 74 strikeouts and 22 walks in 67⅓ innings pitched.[1] In his two stints, Aro went 3–8 with a 2.16 ERA and eight saves in 87⅓ innings of work, setting the second lowest ERA in the Red Sox minors system in a minimum of 80 innings pitched, being surpassed only by Brian Johnson (2.13).[2]

Aro joined the Portland Sea Dogs bullpen in 2015, where he posted a 3–2 record with a 2.28 ERA in eight appearances, striking out 19 and walking eight in 22⅓ innings. He then appeared in his fourth level in less than ten months, after being promoted to the Pawtucket Red Sox in May 2015.[1] On June 25, Aro earned a promotion to the Boston Red Sox.[3] He was optioned July 2 after three appearances, then was recalled in September, making six total appearances with Boston for the season while recording an 0–1 record with 6.97 ERA. Aro was also the recipient of the Red Sox' Lou Gorman Award.[4]

On December 7, 2015, the Red Sox traded Aro and Wade Miley to the Seattle Mariners for Roenis Elías and Carson Smith.[5] On January 26, 2017, Aro was designated for assignment by the Mariners.[6] After clearing waivers, Aro was outrighted to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on February 1.[7] He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

On November 27, 2017, Aro signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[8] He became a free agent after the 2018 season.[9]

On January 18, 2019, Aro signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves.[10]

On January 29, 2020, Aro signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.