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The Day After: Breaking Down the Red Sox Deadline Deals

By Chris Jones

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Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League pitcher Jon Lester (31) of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the second inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

SP Jon Lester and OF Jonny Gomes to Oakland for OF Yoenis Cespedes

“Moving day” started early with a deadline blockbuster, as ace pitcher Jon Lester, along with charismatic outfielder Jonny Gomes were dealt to the Oakland Athletics in return for power-hitting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Red Sox fans just getting to work, or just waking up, were shocked to see that one of the main faces of the franchise was headed to Oakland.

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    • There had long been rumors that Lester might be dealt, with the front office unable to extend him, along with the Red Sox abysmal season, but what might have shocked them more was what they got in return for their prized left-hander.

    In Cespedes, the Red Sox got a power outfielder that they have been desperately missing this season. Boston’s outfield, combined, has a .344 slugging percentage in 2014, which ranks last in the league. In return for Lester, many expected a prospect package, but instead, they got a bona fide major league outfielder with proven power and an absolute cannon for an arm.

    If Lester comes back and re-signs with Boston, which he has been very public about wanting to do, than it will end up being, on Boston’s end, a trade for Cespedes for Gomes and two months of Lester. If Lester ends up going elsewhere, than the Red Sox only loss would be two months more of Lester in a now unimportant season.

    The Red Sox probably couldn’t get much with the fact that Lester with the fact that he will be a free agent after the season. Instead of a couple prospects that have a chance at not panning out, the Red Sox front office got a proven guy at a position of need that is under contract for 2015, and they got a name that the fans know.

    Lester is a huge loss for Boston fans everywhere, but it has the potential to work out beautifully for the Red Sox.

    GRADE: B

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