"Andrew Bailey knew he'd be traded this winter, he just didn't know the destination.

On Wednesday, that mystery was solved: The A's traded their two-time All-Star closer to the Red Sox, a team that had pursued Bailey much of the offseason.

Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney went in a package for outfielder Josh Reddick, who played in 87 games with Boston last year, and Class A players Miles Head and Raul Alcantara.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say it's exciting," Bailey said by phone. "Everyone knows what direction the A's are taking, and like I told Billy Beane today, I'll always appreciate them giving me that opportunity out of spring training, but they're trying to get younger, they're rebuilding. I'm going to a proven winner. I'm excited to pitch in meaningful games in September and the playoffs, hopefully the World Series.

"As a player, you want to win, first and foremost, and the A's are rebuilding for down the road. I'm grateful that I have enough value to maybe help them do that."

Bailey's friends are already teasing him that he'll be "a rock star" in Boston, but Bailey said with a laugh that he will be his usual self. "Different colors on my back, but nothing else will change," he said."