John Lackey moves from Boston to St. Louis
Yesterday, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Justin Masterson. Today, it appears they have added even more to their starting rotation in trading for John Lackey.
Sox close to a deal with Cardinals for Lackey, according to multiple sources
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) July 31, 2014
And a short time later, this…
Cards getting lackey
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2014
Maybe not the pitcher from Boston the Cards fans were hoping to get.
For this season, Lackey is 11-7 with a 3.60 ERA and 1.231 WHIP.
The most intriguing part of the deal is Lackey’s contract. A 2015 vesting option kicked in when Lackey missed the entire 2012 season when Tommy John surgery was needed. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, the amount of that option is the MLB minimum salary, and the Cardinals carry the option. Since he is now traded, Lackey will also receive a $500k assignment bonus per terms of his contract.
As for the Red Sox return…
Sox get Kelly, Craig for Lackey
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 31, 2014
Joe Kelly missed significant time this season (mid-April to mid-July) due to a strained hamstring. He’s currently 2-2 with a 4.37 ERA and 1.457 WHIP.
After posting a very good 2013 season (.315/.373/.457, 13 HR, 97 RBI) where it seemed he was always driving in a runner in scoring position, Allen Craig has struggled in 2014. He currently owns a slashline of .237/.291/.346 with 7 HR and 44 RBI in 398 plate appearances.
With today’s acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes and now getting Craig, the Red Sox now seem to have a crowded outfield situation. Well, unless Boston is not done dealing.
UPDATE: This just hit Twitter…
Sources: Red Sox are sending LHP Corey Littrell to Cardinals as part of the Lackey deal. 2013 5th rounder out of Kentucky
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014