Boston Red Sox acquire Craig Kimbrel

The Boston Red Sox have acquired closer Craig Kimbrel from the San Diego Padres in exchange for shortstop Javier Guerra, center fielder Manuel Margot, 2B Carlos Asuaje and LHP Logan Allen.

Kimbrel, 27, was an Atlanta Brave until he was traded to the Padres with B.J. Upton at the start of the 2015 season.  Kimbrel has generally been considered the best reliever in the game over the past several years, although he had an off-season (for him) in 2015, putting up a 2.58 ERA and 2.68 FIP, both the highest marks of his career.  Kimbrel is owed $24 million over the next two seasons, with a club option at $13 million for 2018.

Margot, who turned 21 in late September, is the prize of the deal...he was ranked #24 in the BA mid-season top 50 prospect rankings (ahead of, among others, Nomar Mazara), and is a contact-oriented hitter with a quality glove in center field.

Guerra, who turned 20 in late September, spent the 2015 season in low-A and held his own as a shortstop with an OPS close to 800.

Allen, 18, was the 8th round selection of the BoSox in the 2015 draft.

Asuaje, who just turned 24, was an 11th round pick in 2013 who spent this year in AA.