The arms race in the American League East just got a bit more interesting on the day of the MLB non-waiver trade deadline. According to multiple media reports, the Boston Red Sox will acquire closer Addison Reed from the New York Mets in exchange for three prospects. The deal itself is contingent on all parties passing physicals.
red sox have an agreement to acquire addison reed @Joelsherman1 @TBrownYahoo @Ken_Rosenthal on it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2017
This could be an absolute boon for Boston, as Reed has proven himself to be among the most-dominant relievers in the game. Thus far this season, the 28-year-old righty has pitched to a 2.57 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 3.15 FIP. He’s also put up 19 saves in 48 appearances.
Reed will now be Boston’s primary set-up man for an equally dominant pitcher in Craig Kimbrel, who has posted a 1.24 ERA and 0.60 WHIP on the season. This should shorten the game for what has been a questionable rotation outside of Cy Young favorite Chris Sale.
Boston enters this week’s action with a 57-49 mark and just a half game behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. Being able to add a player of Reed’s ilk should help the team contend for the division title moving forward this season.
It’s not yet known which three prospects are heading to New York in the deal. That update will be provided shortly.