When the Red Sox traded top outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the big name coming back was right-handed starter Johan Oviedo, who should provide an immediate boost to the starting rotation.

But one less heralded name might have a chance to make an impact as well.

Left-hander Tyler Samaniego, also acquired in the Garcia trade, is currently one of only two true lefty relievers on the 40-man roster outside of closer Aroldis Chapman. The soon-to-be 27-year-old has never pitched in the majors, but prior to the trade he was protected by Pittsburgh from the Rule 5 Draft and should have a good chance to start the season on the Opening Day roster.

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That fact isn’t lost on the rookie, who said the possibility of pitching in Boston is incredibly motivating.

“It’s awesome, it’s an awesome opportunity to be in and it makes me hungrier to try to go out and try to take that spot,” Samaniego said at Fenway Park during Tuesday’s Rookie Development Program. “Especially with the help we need, I believe I can help this team, help us make the playoffs and eventually win a World Series.”

Originally a 15th round pick out of the University of South Alabama in the 2021 MLB Draft, Samaniego is coming off a strong bounce back season after missing nearly a year following internal brace surgery on his pitching elbow. Upon his return and following a series of rehab outings, Samaniego made it back to Double-A and posted a 3.08 ERA in 20 appearances to finish the season.

Following the season Pittsburgh opted to add him to their 40-man roster, and Red Sox senior director of player development Brian Abraham said they’ve been impressed by the “deception” inherent in his game.

“Any left-hander that is deceptive, that provides unique qualities for the hitters, is someone who is potentially going to be able to make an impact in Boston for us,” Abraham said.

Deceptive how?

“I think it’s a fastball that comes from a different perspective than a lot of lefties, he doesn’t throw as hard as maybe some of the other arms that we’ve acquired in the past, but I think there are certain qualities, I don’t want to give all of our trade secrets but certainly something that provides a different look for the hitter that they might not be as familiar with coming from another left-hander that has a similar type of release and arm-slot,” Abraham said. “I think when you combine all the things that he does, it’s a different perspective for each hitter.”

Between Fenway Fest and the Rookie Development Program, this week has marked Samaniego’s first opportunity to get to work with his new teammates and coaches face to face. He’s particularly bonded with Garrett Whitlock and fellow rookie Ryan Watson, both of whom also hail from Alabama, and is grateful to be surrounded by so many others who have followed similar paths as professionals.

“Guys who weren’t high draft picks and have proven they have the stuff to make it, that’s just really inspiring,” Samaniego said. “It’s something that I aspire to do.”