Closer Joel Hanrahan Traded To Red Sox
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Justin K. Aller/Getty Images(BOSTON) — A trade was finalized on Wednesday that dealt Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon and three minor league players.
Also headed to Pittsburgh are pitcher Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan De Jesus and first baseman Jerry Sands. The Red Sox are also taking back minor league infielder Brock Holt.
The Red Sox and Pirates came close to a deal earlier this week, but the transaction is now official.
The 31-year old Hanrahan was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves for the Pirates last season. He is eligible to become a free agent after the 2013 season. He was an All-Star each of the past two years.
Hanrahan was told by Red Sox management that he is the team’s closer headed into the season, meaning current closer Andrew Bailey will be moved to a setup role.
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