Craig Kimbrel Traded to Red Sox

Photo from MLB.com

Ryan MacLeod (RyanMacLeod15)
Contributing Writer

The Red Sox have their future closer, and that closer is Craig Kimbrel formerly a member of the San Diego Padres. Ken Rosenthal reported the news on twitter on Friday Evening. The Red Sox have traded Logan Allen, the Red Sox 8th round pick in the 2015 draft, Manuel Margot, who was the Red Sox third highest rated prospect, Carlos Asuaje the Red Sox third baseman with the AA Affiliate the Portland Sea Dogs, and Javier Guerra the Greenville Drive shortstop.

Allen, a left handed starting pitcher had not had much experience in the minor leagues, but signed with the team after being drafted earlier this year, deciding not to pitch at the University of Southern California. Margot was one of the highest rated prospects in the Red Sox system but his future seemed in doubt with the club as the outfield is already extremely crowded at the major league level. Asuaje had shown promise and has played both second base, third base and left field at the AA level this past season, his versatility made him coveted by many other clubs. Guerra had played one full season in the Red Sox minor league system and has proven to be a solid middle infield defender.

The 27 year old just completed his 6th season in major league baseball, 5 of them with the Atlanta Braves before joining the San Diego Padres. Kimbrel has a career ERA of 1.63 and posted an ERA of 2.58 in 61 games last season with San Deigo.

The Red Sox had been heavily linked with the Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, but it appears that they decided to go with a closer who is currently under a contract for longer. Kimbrel currently has two years left on his deal with a club option for a third year in 2018 worth $13 million then.