December 10, 2015 at 2:11 PM
Garin Cecchini traded to Brewers for cash considerations
The Red Sox announced today a deal that sends utilityman Garin Cecchini to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for undisclosed cash considerations. Cecchini had been designated for assignment last week in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for free agent pitcher David Price.
Cecchini, 24, was a highly touted prospect in recent years but saw his star fade due to struggles at the Triple-A level. He labored to a .213/.286/.296 line with Pawtucket in 2015, finding himself the only healthy position player on the 40-man roster not to receive a recall when rosters expanded in September. His drop-off at the plate was magnified by a lack of progress in the field. Exclusively a third baseman during his first three years in the organization, he was slow to take to the position and started seeing time in the outfield in 2014. In 2015, he appeared at third base in only 19 of his PawSox games, instead seeing the majority of his playing time at left field and first base.
The trade marks a disappointing end to a stint with the Red Sox organization that showed so much promise two years ago. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 draft out of Barbe (LA) High School, Cecchini seemed to be on a steady rise to the major leagues. After being named a New York-Penn League All-Star with Lowell in 2011 and a South Atlantic League All-Star in 2012 as a member of the Greenville Drive, 2013 looked like a breakout for Cecchini. He dominated with High A Salem in the first half, hitting .350/.469/.547. Promoted to Double-A Portland at midseason, Cecchini's power dipped some, but he still showed excellent contact and on-base skills in compiling a .296/.420/.404 line with the Sea Dogs. He closed the year ranked the number three prospect in the system by SoxProspects.com, and was an easy choice to be added to the 40-man roster after that campaign.
Cecchini made his major league debut on June 1, 2014, going 1 for 2 with an RBI double against the Tampa Bay Rays. He appeared in 13 major league games with the Red Sox, going 8 for 35 with three doubles, a home run, three walks and 14 strikeouts.
Difficulty hitting at Triple-A, lack of a strong defensive profile, and the crowded 40-man roster conspired to make Cecchini the odd man out when a 40-man spot was needed for Price. He joins the Brewers organization with one option year remaining.
Photo Credit: Garin Cecchini by Kelly O'Connor