Just a few hours prior to the August 1 trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox completed a minor trade with the Minnesota Twins. Boston will receive reliever Fernando Abad in return for pitching prospect Pat Light.
We’ve got a Boston newcomer! Welcome to #RedSoxNation, Fernando Abad. ?#MLBOnTheMove pic.twitter.com/36nCuis6eQ
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) August 1, 2016
Red Sox Trade for Fernando Abad
Though the Twins as a team have very few positives to take away from the 2016 season so far, Abad was one of them. In his first season with Minnesota, Abad proved an effective bullpen weapon. He tossed thirty-four innings of relief and gave up just ten runs. The 30-year-old lefty struck out twenty-nine opponents while walking fourteen, and ended his time with the Twins with a 2.65 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and a 1.0 WAR.
The six-year veteran has also served time with the Houston Astros, the Washington Nationals, and the Oakland A’s. While he has had an inconsistent career statistically, he has found success prior to joining the Twins. Boston’s ailing bullpen desperately needed reinforcements. While closer Craig Kimbrel is set to make his return from injury on Monday, the Red Sox are still without Carson Smith and Koji Uehara for the remainder of the year. Abad’s presence will allow guys like Robbie Ross and Junichi Tazawa to rest more before the post-season.
Twins Recieve Pat Light
Light, 25, was originally drafted by the Twins out of high school in the 2009 MLB Draft, but chose not to sign. He was then drafted by the Red Sox with the 37th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 Draft. The right-hander was hailed by some as a potential bullpen weapon for the Red Sox, perhaps even a future candidate to close games. He’s found success in the minors this year, posting a 2.32 ERA and thirty six strikeouts with Triple-A Pawtucket, but hasn’t translated that to the Major Leagues yet.
Across five minor league seasons, Light owns a 4.40 ERA with 240 strikeouts against 112 walks. He ranked as the Sox 13th-best prospect entering this year. He can reach the high-90s on the radar gun, and has even touched triple-digits. If he can be consistent with his command, he could be a good setup man for the Twins.
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