The Boston Red Sox traded for Andrew Bailey of the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in a five-player deal that sent the right-handed closer and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Red Sox for right fielder Josh Reddick and two prospects.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said on MLB.com, “He’s got the stuff. We really like his makeup for Boston and everything we’ve learned about him the last few weeks has only strengthened our conviction that he can fit in really well to our team and our clubhouse.”
Bailey, a two-time All-Star, will be groomed to replace current closer Jonathan Papelbon who is signed with Boston through 2015 with an option for 2016.
The trade does leave a hole in right field with the departure of Reddick, something new coach Bobby Valentine will have to address before next season.
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