In another (smart) move made by interim GM Rob Antony, the Minnesota Twins have sent reliever Fernando Abad to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league pitching prospect Pat Light.
The move comes as little surprise as Abad’s had been linked to multiple trade rumors over the past few weeks.
Abad joined the Minnesota Twins this past offseason as a Spring Training invite and turned into perhaps the team’s most reliable bullpen arm.
After a disappointing 2015 season where he saw his ERA skyrocket to 4.15, Abad rebounded nicely with a 2.65 ERA in 36 games using a slow breaking pitch to strike out 29.
In return the Twins received a pitcher who, like the Adalberto Mejia, could be ready to contribute to the big league club as soon as next season.
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And like the Eduardo Nunez, the Minnesota Twins cashed in on a player whose trade value was likely to not get any higher than it already was.
Abad’s number did start to dip a bit in both June and July as he featured a June ERA of 6.75 and a July ERA of 3.38.
He’ll join a Red Sox team that has seen their bullpen, namely Craig Kimbrel, ravaged by injuries.
It’s a smart trade for the Twins however because Abad likely didn’t fit into the long term plans of the club.
With the likes of Michael Tonkin, Brandon Kintzler and Taylor Rogers rising up as legitimate bullpen arms, the Twins had the option of making a move like this.
Add to that a plethora of potential future bullpen arms pitching in the minors and the Minnesota Twins were more than fine letting Abad go.
All Light will do is add to names like J.T. Chargois, Nick Burdi and Jake Reed as future relief options.
Light had been enjoying success in the Red Sox’ Triple-A Pawtucket affiliate. In 25 appearances and 31 innings, Light posted an ERA of 2.25 with 36 strikeouts, seven saves and an opposing batting average of just .188.
According to MLB.com, they now list him as the No. 15-ranked prospect for the Minnesota Twins. Entering the season he was also No. 15 in the Red Sox organization.
MLB.com’s profile also states Light has a fastball that will range anywhere from 94-98 miles per hour while also featuring a splitter.
With a fastball like that it makes sense the Twins would be interested in Light as they have set their focus on strikeout-throwing power arms to bolster their future bullpen.
He did have a brief stint in the majors with for two games and posted an ERA of 23.63 over 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs.