Sale heading to Boston in White Sox trade

Los Angeles (AFP) – The Boston Red Sox have acquired Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox in a blockbuster trade, it was confirmed Tuesday.  

The deal will see Sale head to Fenway Park while highly rated prospects Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Basabe and Victor Diaz head to Chicago.

Sale’s arrival strengthens an already formidable Boston bullpen which includes reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and former Cy Young recipient David Price.

Sale’s availability had been the subject of intense speculation, with the Washington Nationals reportedly at the front of the queue for the southpaw’s services.

The White Sox, however, brokered a deal with the Red Sox after securing Moncada and three other prospects.

“When you trade a pitcher of Chris Sale’s ability, it can only be because we were motivated by an impactful return of young talent, and we have more than accomplished that with Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz,” Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager, said in a statement. 

“We believe each of these players can be part of a quality core of future championship caliber White Sox teams.”

Cuban infielder Moncada, 21, is widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball but endured a difficult maiden season in the major leagues this year, batting .211 with one RBI in eight games.

Sale, 27, is 74-50 with a 3.00 ERA and has amassed 1,244 strikeouts in 228 career games for the White Sox. 

Sale has also courted controversy, and was axed from the starting line-up when he cut up “throwback” uniforms he declined to wear. He was later suspended for five days over the incident.

“We cannot thank Chris enough for all he has done and what he has meant for the White Sox organization since we drafted him in 2010,” Hahn said. “We certainly wish he and his family all the best.”