It’s the first blockbuster of the day. The Red Sox have traded ace Jon Lester and outfielder Jonny Gomes to Oakland, and they’re getting Yoenis Cespedes in the deal. The Sox also receive the rights to Oakland’s competitive balance pick in next year’s draft.
It’s a coup de grace for Oakland GM Billy Beane, who already shipped out uberprospect Addison Russell to Chicago for impact starter Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel. Beane, famously still seeking to win the “final game of the season,” has seemingly gone all in this year. Lester provides an immediate new top pitcher for the club, and a bonafide ace. He also provides relief for Hammel, who has struggled to an ERA over 9 in his four starts since joining Oakland.
Cespedes, however, is a hefty price. While Oakland receives Jonny Gomes, a hometown player who had a wRC+ over 140 in his 2012 season with the A’s, the Cuban import has been a fixture in the lineup since his break-in 2012 season. Cespedes can opt out of his deal after the 2015 season. Lester is also only a rental at the time being; his contract expires this winter. Boston has expressed interest in bringing him back into the fold next season. If that were to transpire, it would be a masterstroke by GM Ben Cherington.
The new Oakland rotation is surely fearsome. It now consists of Lester, Sonny Gray, Samardzija, Scott Kazmir and Hammel (for now, at least). Oakland may also not be done making moves. Second base still represents a glaring hole for them, and they have the pieces to fill it. Chase Utley has often been bandied about as possible target. Utley has a full no-trade clause, but lives in the Bay Area and may be willing to waive it to play closer to home.
Boston is also likely not done for the day. John Lackey is available, and 1B/OF Mike Carp has requested a trade. Bullpen pieces Andrew Miller and Koji Uehara, their closer, have drawn many inquiries. LWOS will have full updates as the day progresses.
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