Tigers Trade Cespedes

As expected, the Detroit Tigers have traded left fielder Yoenis Cespedes.  The soon-to-be-free-agent, acquired last December in a trade that sent starting pitcher Rick Porcello to Boston, was traded to the Mets just before the 4 p.m. trade deadline.  The Tigers will get two minor league players for Cespedes.  Reports say the Mets will give up right-hander Michael Fulmer and pitcher/infielder Luis Cessa.

Cespedes, the fleet-of-foot Cuban native, is hitting .293 with 18 home runs for the Tigers, and has one of the best arms in Major League Baseball.   He has been a more than worthy replacement for Torii Hunter, who was not re-signed after last season.

Because Cespedes signed a unique 4-year, $36 million deal with the Athletics in 2012 after leaving Cuba, the Tigers would not have been entitled to the usual draft pick if he decided to test the free agent market.   So, the Tigers got Boston to throw in reliever Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier in the Porcello deal.  Wilson has had a great season with the Tigers and closed out Thursday's game in Baltimore, after the Tigers traded closer Joakim Soria to Pittsburgh.  The 20-year-old Speier has had a solid season pitching for the West Michigan Whitecaps.

The Tigers traded David Price, Soria and Cespedes for six young prospects to re-stock their depleted farm system.   They'll need to make decisions on three other free agents in the off season.  Outfielder Rajai Davis, Catcher Alex Avila, and Pitcher Alfredo Simon will also hit the market.