The Boston Red Sox made an offseason splash Friday, acquiring four-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel from the San Diego Padres, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Rosenthal confirmed that outfielder Manuel Margot was part of the deal. The 21-year-old has hit .282 with 23 home runs and 175 RBI in 344 career minor league games.
New President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski must have felt he could part with a top prospect because his closer from last year, Koji Uehara, is 40 years old and has regressed over the past two seasons after a spectacular 2013 campaign.
SoxProspects.com ranked Margot as Boston’s No. 4 overall prospect and summarized his game:
Future first-division regular who could contribute in all areas of the game. Potential leadoff hitter who could hit for average and some power, steal bases and provide above average defense at a premium defensive position. Strong instincts, has really taken to professional baseball since he entered the system and adjusted to each challenge given to him seamlessly.
Alex Speier of the Boston Globe wrote about Margot in July, noting he could reach the majors sooner than later. Speier quoted Red Sox scout Manny Nanita, who was impressed by Margot’s work ethic, even as a 16-year-old: “I was watching everybody working out. There were 20 guys. The only guy that was shagging, taking things seriously, was him. He showed a lot of passion.”
In San Diego, there is a clear path to center field, which has been Margot’s primary position in the minors.
It’s too early to tell what San Diego’s plan for him is, but SoxProspects.com predicted he would be in the majors by late 2016. Now that he is with the struggling Padres, he could reach the big leagues even sooner.
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