Chris Sale To The Red Sox, God Damn It

Ken Rosenthal is all over the HOT FUCKING STOVE, knocking down pots and pans and dropping his bowtie in the deep fryer. The soup is bubbling and Ken’s got the first taste:

That was unexpected! As recently as this morning the Nationals were the team to beat, but the Red Sox apparently shook free White Sox ace Chris Sale by offering up Yoan Moncada, the 21-year-old Cuban infielder who started the year as Baseball America’s third-best MLB prospect. Michael Kopech’s a 20-year-old fireballing righty and highly thought-of. We’ll update with the other two prospects when the names come in.

Update: Here are the other two prospects in the deal.

Luis Basabe is a speedy 20-year-old outfielder with defensive talent and one hell of a strikeout problem. But if he can start making contact more often, he’s got some promising power. Victor Diaz is a 22-year-old righty with a plus-plus fastball and not much else. He’s a long shot, but if he makes the bigs it’ll be as a late-inning reliever.

Chris Sale will lead a rotation that includes David Price and reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, and just like that the Red Sox are right there with Cleveland as AL favorites.

The only saving grace here is that the Red Sox clubhouse will grow to hate each other, just like the good old days.