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The Cincinnati Reds have made a trade!
The news that they're capable of actually making a mid-season trade is bigger news that the pieces involved in this instance, however, since the only player of note making a move is Boston Red Sox farmhand reliever Miguel Celestino, according to Mike Antonellis.
Miguel Celestino has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds
— Mike Antonellis (@seadogsradio) July 9, 2015
Antonellis, by the way, is the radio voice of Boston's AA affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs, where Celestino spent much of the last three seasons. Mike later added that Celestino will be heading to Pensacola.
Celestino is a big righty, a 6'6" 205 lb 25 year old who was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Seattle Mariners when he was just 17. He landed in Boston as a PTBNL along with Bill Hall in exchange for Casey Kotchman back in 2010, and he's flashed talent in spurts since then. SoxProspects.com notes that his fastball sits at 94-96 and can touch 100 mph, but command and control of that and his slider have been the main things holding back his development.
WEEI.com noted when he was re-signed by Boston to a minor league deal prior to the 2014 season that Celestino "may have the best velocity of any pitcher in the Red Sox system," so there's that.
Like Johnny Cueto (I hope Miguel appreciates the comparison), Celestino hails from San Pedro de Macoris, so maybe he was brought into the organization to convince Johnny to re-sign. Maybe. Maybe not. But Maybe.
The Reds have not yet confirmed the move, but I'd wager it's a cash deal.
Trade season has officially begun, folks. Keep an eye out for #HugWatch.