Sep 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) doubles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
MLB’s Winter Meetings have long been considered a free agent free-for-all, as signings are historically the underlying theme of news throughout the week. This year’s Winter Meetings, however, saw a shift towards the trade market with a significant up tick in trade activity. In all twelve deals were completed during the four days of meetings in San Diego.
There were four additional deals agreed upon, but none have yet been finalized. A deal between the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks that will send Wade Miley to Boston is expected to be completed by Saturday, as the two sides are still discussing who the third player heading to the D’backs will be. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are still discussing compensation in return for Jimmy Rollins. Deals between the San Diego Padres and Dodgers for Matt Kemp and between the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals for Ross Detwiler are both pending physicals.
This also excludes a quartet of small deals that were agreed upon during the Rule 5 Draft. Four players were selected but immediately traded for cash considerations.
Let’s take a look at each deal completed during the Winter Meetings.