The Boston Red Sox are continuing to be active this offseason after losing out on starting pitcher Jon Lester in free agency. The team executed two trades within the past 12 hours to acquire a couple of starting pitchers to join their rotation.
On Wednesday evening, following speculation earlier in the day, the Red Sox traded with the Arizona Diamondbacks and acquired left-hander Wade Miley (along with a minor leaguer to be named). Boston sent starters Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster as well as a minor leaguer to be named to Arizona. It was originally believed Miley would jump into the No. 3 spot in the rotation behind Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly, but the team just acquired another right-hander.
Less than 12 hours later, the Red Sox sent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, reliever Alex Wilson and a minor leaguer to be named to the Detroit Tigers for starting pitcher Rick Porcello and a minor leaguer. The Boston Globe reported the initial details of the deal, but FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reported the involvement of minor leaguers in the transaction. The prospects will likely be named later today.
As for the trades, Boston acquired two starters who will immediately provide relief to their previously weak starting rotation. Miley is 38-35 with a 3.79 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in four seasons with the Diamondbacks. The left-hander was an All-Star in 2012 after going 16-11 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 32 games (29 starts). Miley, 28, is in his first year of arbitration eligibility and remains under club control through the 2017 season.
On the other hand, Porcello is a righty who spent his first season in the majors as a 20-year-old. In six seasons with the Tigers, he compiled a 76-63 record with a 4.30 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 184 games (180 starts). In 2014 he notched career-bests in wins (15), ERA (3.34), WHIP (1.23), complete game shutouts (3) and innings pitched (204 2/3). The 25-year-old is in his third year of arbitration eligibility and can become a free agent after the 2015 season.
Although they surrendered a solid young pitcher, the Tigers acquired the power-hitting Cespedes, which was a big need for them in the outfield. They lost Torii Hunter to the Minnesota Twins in free agency and traded Austin Jackson to the Mariners before the deadline, so their remaining outfielders include J.D. Martinez, Rajai Davis and Anthony Gose. Cespedes has one year and $10.5 million remaining on his contract, but he'll surely be a threat in a batting order that includes Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Ian Kinsler and co.
We'll keep an eye out for the unnamed minor leaguers in these trades.
