In their second minor move in as many days, the first-place Boston Red Sox have reportedly acquired veteran outfielder Steve Pearce from the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor leaguer Santiago Espinal.
#BlueJays make the first of what should be multiple trades before the deadline, dealing Steve Pearce and cash to the #RedSox for minor league infielder Santiago Espinal. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 29, 2018
Pearce, 35, has played a majority of his time in the outfield. However, he does provide Boston with some flexibility by being able to play first base and second base in a pinch.
A veteran of 12 MLB seasons, Pearce is hitting .291 with four homers and 16 RBI on the year. Though, he provides a .306 average and a .358 on-base percentage against left-handed pitchers. That’s likely where Boston will use the veteran in a platoon situation.
This move comes one day after Boston added former All-Star infielder Brandon Phillips on a minor league deal. It’s the team’s way of adding depth for its World Series push.