The Winter Meetings have been the busiest in recent memory since Jon Lester signed just over 24 hours ago, as it seems almost every team is getting involved in the fun. This morning has been centered around the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds, and moments ago, FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal confirmed via Twitter that the two teams have struck a deal. The Reds will be sending pitcher Alfredo Simon to Detroit in exchange for at least Eugenio Suarez (this coming via ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick). Earlier in the day, Detroit traded starting pitcher Rick Porcello to Boston in exchange for slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Cincinnati has a glut of starters hitting free agency after the season, so they have been marketing pitchers, which makes these two teams a perfect match. Cincinnati has also traded pitcher Mat Latos to the Miami Marlins, as they appear to be overhauling their current rotation.
The real story is Detroit, as they get Simon, who at 33 years of age, was an All Star in 2014. He posted a 15-10 record for the Reds while also having a very respectable 3.44 ERA. Simon will join a Detroit rotation headlined by David Price, Anibal Sanchez and 2011 CY Young winner Justin Verlander. Needless to say a very busy morning in both Motown and the Queen City.
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