Yoenis Cespedes has been traded for the second time in 2014, this time to the Detroit Tigers. In exchange for Cespedes, the Boston Red Sox will receive pitcher Rick Porcello. The Red Sox have a sufficient supply of outfielders, making Cespedes expendable. Cespedes was traded to the Red Sox from the Athletics earlier this year, yet failed to impress. Namely, Cespedes struggled to improve upon his low on-base percentage which came in at .294 on the year. Detroit has a huge ballpark, and Cespedes is known for his above average arm, which will greatly improve upon the Detroit outfield defense. That being said, his power production has a chance to drop a bit due to the more spacious ballpark.

Rick Porcello will be added to a revamped Boston Red Sox pitching staff in 2015. He joins newly acquired Wade Miley obtained from Arizona, and Justin Masterson who pitched in Saint Louis last year. Ridding of the Cespedes salary will provide further financial flexibility in Boston’s attempt toward obtaining a number one starter; for example, James Shields of the Kansas City Royals or Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies. Although Porcello has starting pitcher for the Tigers for the past six years, he is just 26 years old. Importantly, Porcello is a ground ball pitcher, which is vital when pitching in Boston’s Fenway Park. Secondly, Porcello will enjoy a pitching behind a better infield defense, which may lead to more victories in 2015.