The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their starting rotation in a trade to acquire left-hander Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres on Thursday night.

The Sox dealt top pitching prospect Anderson Espinnoza as part of the deal to nab the All-Star pitcher.  Pomeranz will be under contract through the 2018 season.

Pomeranz is having a career season so far in 2016 with an 8-7 record and a 2.47 ERA with the Padres.  The 27 year old has played part of six seasons with the Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Oakland Athletics.  With the As in 2015 he made 53 appearances, with nine starts, and had a 3.66 ERA in 86 innings before being traded this past December in a deal that sent Yonder Alonso to Oakland.

87th MLB All-Star Game
Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images
loading...

Espinoza was the top rated pitcher in the Red Sox organization, according to Baseball America, and was 5-8 with a 4.38 ERA in Single-A Greenville.  He is still just 18 years old and has drawn comparisons to Pedro Martinez by some scouts.

Pomeranz joins the Sox starting staff that also includes All-Star Steven Wright, along with David Price, Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Clay Buchholz.  The deal will be finalized after medical records are passed.

More From