Reports: Red Sox include game’s top prospect to land Sale

In the end, the Texas Rangers just couldn’t offer the same package to land ace Chris Sale as the one the Boston Red Sox reportedly used to take the left-hander away from the Chicago White Sox.

The first megadeal of the winter meetings came down Tuesday afternoon, when the Red Sox acquired Sale for a package of young talent that included the game’s top prospect, Yoan Moncada.

Also sent to the White Sox were hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech and two other prospects.

The Rangers were out on Sale after discussing him at the trade deadline and again this off-season. The White Sox wanted second baseman Rougned Odor or right fielder Nomar Mazara, and the Rangers balked.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, have become instant favorites to win the American League with a rotation that also includes David Price and reigning AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello.

Boston added to its bullpen by trading with Milwaukee for righty Tyler Thornburg, trading third baseman Tyler Shaw and two prospect. The Red Sox are still trying to fill the void created by the retirement of David Ortiz and could do so with former Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland.

The White Sox, now faced with a huge void in the rotation, have contacted the agent for former Rangers pitcher Derek Holland.

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 1:55 PM with the headline "Reports: Red Sox include game’s top prospect to land Sale."