Yhoiker

Fajardo

It’s already the second trade of the career of the young Fajardo, who just turned 19 in October. Oddly enough, the Red Sox picked him up from the White Sox for Cam Booser a year ago today. He had a 2.25 ERA and an 83/27 K/BB in 72 innings as a starter between Rookie and Low-A ball last season. MLB Pipeline had him as Boston’s No. 23 prospect, while SoxProspects.com placed him eighth in the system.

The Cardinals will get righties Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita and will send Boston $8 million, according to Passan. Contreras, who is owed $41.5 million for the next two years or, if his option is picked up, $54 million for the next three, will apparently be waiving his no-trade clause to take over as Boston’s first baseman. That means Triston Casas could open up in Triple-A if healthy, though if he impresses in the spring, there’s also the chance the Red Sox could go with him and Contreras splitting time between first and DH. The Cardinals figure to install Alec Burleson at first, which would open an outfield spot back up for Jordan Walker alongside Lars Nootbarr and Victor Scott II. Contreras hit .257/.344/.447 with 20 homers in 135 games last season in his first year since giving up catching.

Fajardo is an 18-year-old hurler who made 13 starts in the DSL with a 3.91 ERA and impressive 64/8 K/BB over 50 2/3 innings. The right-hander is essentially a lottery ticket for Boston.