ESPN reports that the Cubs have sent minor-league pitcher Aaron Kurcz to the Red Sox as the player to be named later in order complete their obligations in the Theo Epstein compensation situation.
All that remains is for the Red Sox to send a player to be named later to the Cubs.
Kurcz, a 10th-round draft pick in 2010, was a midseason Florida State League All-Star last season at Class A Dayton. He finished the season 5-4 with a 3.28 ERA, making a start in 12 of his 32 appearances. He pitched 82 1/3 innings with 91 strikeouts and 34 walks. Kurcz, 21, started off rookie ball as an impressive closer and quickly worked up to A+ Daytona last season. So it appears the Red Sox have been cherry picking potential closers from the Cubs system.
In two minor league seasons, his record is 7-5, 2.95 ERA, 9 saves, 1.158 WHIP, 9.9 K/9IP and 3.09 K/BB ratio.
