Red Sox Acquire LHP Fernando Abad from Twins

Boston Red Sox acquiring left-handed reliever Fernando Abad from the Minnesota Twins.

The day of the MLB Trade deadline is always a frenzy full of exciting rumors and high intensity, and the Red Sox did not waste their chance to get in this year’s trading action. They struck their first and only deal of the day by acquiring lefty reliever Fernando Abad from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league pitcher Pat Light.

This move gives Boston some much needed bullpen help, giving them a solid arm to pitch behind all-star closer Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel is set to return this week against the against the Seattle Mariners, coinciding with the arrival of Abad.

In 39 games this year, Abad has a 2.65 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 29 Ks. Although he is not an elite reliever on the level of Andrew Miller and Wade Davis, two other relievers who were on the trade market this year, he is still very talented and will provide a much needed boost to the Red Sox bullpen.

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Red Sox relievers have been plagued by many injuries this year, as Koji Uehara is on the 15 day disabled list with a Right Pectoral strain and Carson Smith, who was acquired in the off-season, is set to miss the entire season after injuring his elbow earlier this year.

Having another arm to come out of the bullpen at the end of games is especially good for Craig Kimbrel, who will almost never have to pitch in non-save situations with the current state of the Red Sox bullpen.

John Farrell can comfortably choose between sending Robbie Ross Jr. , Abad, or Brad Ziegler to the mound in the 7th and 8th innings when the Red Sox are winning while giving Kimbrel a fresh 9th inning to dominate in. Many of Kimbrel’s rough outings have been in non-save situations, and now he can just focus on securing Red Sox wins in the 9th inning.

Making this move even better is the fact that Boston paid a very low price to acquire Abad. Pat Light is currently playing for AAA Pawtucket, and he was knocked around in the 2 major league games that he pitched in this year. In only 2.2 innings, he allowed 7 earned runs and did not look ready for the MLB level of play.

Red Sox reliever Pat Light. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

However, Light does have intriguing potential because his fastball can reach 100 mph. If he can learn to master his pitch control, he can dominate hitters with his fastball and can become an effective late inning reliever.

In AAA, he has been pretty solid with a 2.32 ERA over 31.0 innings pitched. At age 25, though, he only has a few more years to work on his skills before teams write him off and keep him stashed in the minors.

Although many people are disappointed that Boston didn’t acquire a big name like Chris Sale or Jonathan Lucroy, Abad fills a need for the team and makes them more prepared for a run in the playoffs. Bullpen depth is key late in the season, as it can be the difference between a close win and a heartbreaking loss. A few close wins/losses can decide whether the Red Sox are playing in October or sitting on their couches in the fall and thinking about what they could have done better this year.

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