Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported via Twitter that the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs are close to completing a trade that would send Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd to Boston. This news doesn’t come as a surprise given all the speculation that the Red Sox are actively seeking to try and bolster their outfield since Jacoby Ellsbury went down with a subluxed shoulder.
Byrd has struggled so far this season at the plate, recording just three singles in 47 plate appearances giving him an offensive line that will make you cringe; .070/.149/.070. For his career Byrd has respectable numbers at .278/.337/.416/.753. His best year came in 2009 as a member of the Texas Rangers when Byrd produced an offensive line of .283/.329/.479/.808 with 20 home runs and 89 RBI. The 34-year old is making $6.5 million this season and it hasn’t been reported yet as to whether or not the Cubs will eat any of his salary. When Byrd’s name surfaced earlier this winter it was speculated that Theo was willing to absorb part of his contract and given how the Sox/Cubs compensation went, I’d say Theo owes us one.
So far nothing has been reported as to what the package that would be headed to the Cubs might entail, but given Epstein’s superior negotiations skills it will likely be too much for Byrd.
This potential deal is a little puzzling given Byrd’s early struggles this season. Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ross have done a decent job at the plate and with Carl Crawford set to resume game action as part of his rehab stint, his return could be sooner than later. Then again, the Red Sox aren’t exactly treading water in the AL East as of late either. Is Ben Cherington panicking? It would appear so.
We’ll keep you posted as this situation unfolds.
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