Red Sox Trade Tsung-Che Cheng to Tigers for Cash

Boston traded Cheng to Detroit for cash on October 29 as the Red Sox continued making roster moves at the start of the offseason. The deal gives the Tigers another infield option and opens a spot on Boston’s 40-man roster.

Cheng, 25, appeared in 14 major league games for Boston this season, batting .256 with one double and five RBIs. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Worcester, where he hit eight home runs and drove in 30 runs in 94 games, with a .241 batting average.

The trade followed Boston’s deal sending utility player Nate Eaton to the Athletics. Patrick Sandoval and Isiah Kiner-Falefa also entered free agency. Boston began the offseason needing to clear seven 40-man roster places within five days of the World Series because of players on the 60-day injured list. The departures and trades had opened four spots, with further moves still needed. Cheng’s route to playing time in Boston was limited by other infield options, while he can now add depth in Detroit.