The Boston Red Sox have acquired All Star 1st basemen Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres for prospects Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo and Reymond Fuentes.
Gonzalez was flown to Boston last night and is working on a contract extension with the Red Sox believed to be in the same range as the 8-year $180 million deal 1st basemen Mark Teixeira signed with the Yankees two years ago. The move likely means the end of 3B Adrian Beltre’s time with the Red Sox as Kevin Youkilis will move to 3rd base.
The Red Sox have long coveted the 28-year-old lefty. Back at the 2009 trading deadline, the Red Sox made a pitch for Gonzalez, a three-time All-Star who last season finished fourth in balloting for the National League’s Most Valuable Player.
Gonzalez batted .298 with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs for the Padres last season. He finished fifth in the National League in on-base percentage (.393), ninth in slugging (.511) and led the league in hitting with runners in scoring position (.407).
In 7 seasons with the Padres Gonzalez batted .284 with 168 home runs and 525 RBIs. He has also won 2 gold gloves for his stellar defense.
The move is a major one for the Red Sox as they add a big bat to the middle of their lineup and can now turn their attention to upgrading their outfield by pursuing either Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth.
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