Kevin Youkilis Traded to Chicago White Sox

The Boston Red Sox have traded third baseman Kevin Youkilis and a significant amount of cash to the Chicago White Sox for Zach Stewart and Brent Lillibridge, the teams announced. After weeks of trade speculation and rumors, it became clear a deal had been made Sunday when Youkilis was lifted for a pinch runner in the seventh inning to a rousing standing ovation.

The cash sent by the Red Sox will cover $5.5 million of the remaining $7 million on the 33-year-old Youkilis' contract, reports Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. This means the White Sox will pay Youkilis $2.5 million in total, assuming they select the $1 million buyout for 2013.

Selling low on Youkilis, the Red Sox did not receive a significant haul in return. Stewart, a 25-year-old right-hander formerly in the Blue Jays and Reds organizations, has a 6.00 ERA, 4.8 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9 in 18 appearances this year, and will report to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Utilityman Brent Lillibridge, 28, who is a .215/.283/.358 hitter over five major league seasons, has been added to the 40-man roster. Boston has designated outfielder Oscar Tejada for assignment to make room for Lillibridge.

Though rumored to be wanted by several other teams, it was clear from the start that the White Sox had the most need for Youkilis. Chicago has had to rely on second baseman Orlando Hudson to field the hot corner for several weeks, and have hit just .167/.244/.221 as a team this season at third.