The Red Sox have won the Jake Peavy sweepstakes.
Boston has acquired Peavy from the White Sox and right-handed pitcher Brayan Villarreal from the Tigers in a three-team, seven-player deal consummated just hours before the trade deadline. The Red Sox have traded away Jose Iglesias and three minor leaguers.
The Red Sox initially acquired outfielder Avisail Garcia from the Tigers in exchange for Iglesias. Boston then shipped Garcia, minor league pitchers J.B. Wendelken and Francelis Montas, and minor league infielder Cleuluis Rondon to Chicago in exchange for Peavy.
Peavy is 8-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 13 starts for the White Sox this season. The 32-year-old is a three-time All-Star and a former National League Cy Young award winner. Peavy has battled injuries throughout his career, including this season, but he figures to give Boston a solid middle-of-the-rotation presence.
Villarreal pitched well for the Tigers last season. He compiled a 2.63 ERA and 1.207 WHIP in 54 2/3 innings over 50 relief appearances in 2012. The 26-year-old has struggled to get on track this season, though, and he’ll report to Pawtucket to begin his Red Sox career. Villarreal has been on the disabled list with Triple-A Toledo, and he will remain on the disabled list upon joining the Red Sox organization.
Iglesias has been excellent for the Red Sox this season, although he has struggled offensively of late. The 23-year-old is hitting .330 (71-for-215), and he is already considered one of the best defensive infielders in baseball.
Peavy is expected to join the Red Sox on Wednesday, although general manager Ben Cherington said that Peavy will not start Wednesday’s game against the Mariners.
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