MLB Trade Deadline: Red Sox acquire Addison Reed

According to reports, the Boston Red Sox struck a deal with the New York Mets to acquire relief pitcher Addison Reed at the MLB Trade Deadline.

The Boston Red Sox have found their setup man. After striking out on an opportunity to add David Robertson from the White Sox earlier in the month, the Red Sox have reportedly struck a deal to bring New York Mets closer Addison Reed to Boston.

In 48 games this season, Reed is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA. He has 48 strikeouts with only six walks (and a career best 3.0 percent walk rate) in 49 innings. Reed has 19 saves in 21 opportunities, and has converted 12 straight, but is likely to move into the eighth inning slot ahead of dominant closer Craig Kimbrel.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported early Monday that a deal between the Mets and Red Sox was close.

Later, Ken Rosenthal confirmed the deal was done, with the Red Sox sending three prospects to New York in return for Reed.

The 28-year-old right-hander was expected to be the primary setup man for Jeurys Familia this season after posting a 1.97 ERA in 80 games in the role last season. However, Reed ascended to the closer role after Familia was placed on the disabled list with an arterial clot in his pitching shoulder.

Reed also had a 1.17 ERA in 17 games in 2015 after he was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and played a key role in middle relief on New York’s march to the World Series. A free agent after the season, Reed has a 3.40 ERA in seven big league seasons.

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The move strengthens a Boston bullpen that has been one of the best in baseball this season. Entering Monday, the Red Sox bullpen ranked second in the American League and third in the majors with a 3.03 ERA.