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Red Sox: A return look at four key deals. How is it working out?

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 17: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox walks towards the dugout during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jaysat Fenway Park on April 17, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Blue Jays won 5-3. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 17: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox walks towards the dugout during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jaysat Fenway Park on April 17, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Blue Jays won 5-3. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 30: Manuel Margot (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 30: Manuel Margot (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

The Red Sox depleted the farm system depth somewhat with the deal with the Padres that brought Craig Kimbrel to Boston for several top prospects. The impact of Kimbrel is a season late, but even 2016, despite knee surgery and a horrendous 5.1 BB/9, was excellent none the less. A .151 batting average against showed Kimbrel is one tough pitching dude to hit.

This season Kimbrel has virtually eliminated his walks.  The saves keep on rolling in and batters could consider a loud foul or any foul as a success against the hard throwing right-hander. The Red Sox got exactly what they wanted and so have the Padres.

Manuel Margot was the key piece for the Padres and the fleet outfielder is now the regular center fielder – a position that was in all probability not happening in Boston. Margot may some day be an All-Star. Margot is developing power and may eventually be a 15+ home run bat and when last noted was hitting in the .270 range.

Carlos Asuaje was another in that deal that is now on the MLB roster. Asuaje is considered best at second base but has played third and some outfield. Do not expect balls to be rattling off the fence with Asuaje, but he does have a nice left-handed stroke and is hitting over .300 for San Diego.

Left-hander Logan Allen – ranked No. 14 on the Padres list and left-handed hitting infielder Javier Guerra – unranked on the Padres list – are in A+ ball. Guerra has stalled and Allen was recently promoted to A+ ball.

Another transaction that has left both trade partners satisfied with the results.  Boston had talent that was blocked by other talent – a better opportunity elsewhere for blocked players and that worked out rather well. Boston got one of the best at closer.

Would I have made the deal? Yes.

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