Aaron

Kurcz

Boston also got right-handed reliever Chris Carpenter from the Cubs. Kurcz was informed Thursday of the agreed-upon swap and will soon travel to the Red Sox’ spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. The 21-year-old had a 3.28 ERA and 91/34 K/BB ratio in 82 1/3 innings last year at Single-A Daytona.

Kurcz, a 26-year-old reliever, posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 55/17 K/BB ratio in 68 1/3 innings this year between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Nashville. Oakland acquired Kurcz from the Braves in July 2015 for international bonus pool money.

The 113th International Bonus Pool slot is worth $167,000. Kurcz was pitching to a 3.27 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 38/21 K/BB ratio over 33 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett prior to the trade. He figures to serve as minor league depth for the A’s.

The Braves designated Varvaro for assignment several days ago. Kurcz was one of the pieces involved in Theo Epstein’s move from the Red Sox front office to the Cubs back in 2012. He posted a 2.14 ERA in 42 innings for Double-A Portland in 2014.