Red Sox send Cespedes to Detroit for Porcello

San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and a pair of minor leaguers to the Detroit Tigers for right- handed pitcher Rick Porcello.

"We're thrilled to be adding an All-Star to our team in Yoenis Cespedes," said Tigers president, CEO and general manager David Dombrowski. "Cespedes is a dynamic all-around player who hits for power, provides solid run production and will play left field."

Dombrowski also revealed on Thursday that the team is no longer pursuing former Cy Young Award winning right-hander Max Scherzer.

Cespedes spent the first two-plus seasons of his big league career with the Oakland Athletics, but was sent to Boston at the non-waiver trade deadline in July in the Jon Lester deal. Cespedes had been an All-Star for the first time last season and batted .260 combined with 22 home runs and 100 RBI.

The 28-year-old Cuban, who can become a free agent at the end of next season, is a two-time Home Run Derby champion and has hit 71 home runs in his three big league seasons with the A's and Red Sox.

Porcello, meanwhile, had his best season in 2014 for the Tigers, as he went 15-13 with a 3.43 ERA over a career-high 204 2/3 innings. The former first round pick also led the AL with three shutouts.

Over the course of six seasons the 25-year-old Porcello has posted a 76-63 mark to go along with a 4.30 ERA in 184 games (180 starts). He will also be a free agent at the end of the deal.

Also accompanying Cespedes in the deal are righty Alex Wilson and 19-year-old lefty Gabe Speier. Wilson has appeared in 44 games out of the bullpen for the Red Sox and is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA.

"Alex Wilson is a solid performer who has pitched at the major league level and will compete for a job in our bullpen this spring," Dombrowski added. "Gabe Speier is a young player that our scouts like."

The Tigers also designated pitcher Melvin Mercedes for assignment to open space on the 40-man roster.