Red Sox Trade Rumors: Teams Calling for Outfielders
The expected return of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford means only one thing for the abundance of outfielders the Red Sox currently have; trades are inevitable. It’s no surprise to hear that teams are calling the rookie GM Ben Cherington, inquiring about his plethora of outfielders and which ones are readily available to switch uniforms.
Yesterday we reported that Ryan Sweeney appealed to the Chicago Cubs, courtesy of an inside source relayed by Michael Silverman of the Herald. Today Silverman reports that while Sweeney could be a trade chip, the club may be more interested in retaining the 27-year old.
Daniel Nava, Scott Podsednik and Ryan Kalish all appear to be fair game as a trade asset. Given the fact that the Red Sox are interested in both Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster of the Cubs, although talks are not fully engaged according to Silverman, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of reason to see one of the Sox outfielders head to the windy city as a package for either of the Cubs starters.
Nava’s stock is said to be higher than it has in recent years states Silverman, given his improved defense along with his switch hitting abilities that have seen him produce a slash line of .275/.388/.427/.815 with 3 homers and 26 RBI. He also has 17 doubles in 52 games. The once highly touted prospect, now 29, was said to have lost a significant amount of his value given his slow road to the show. While it’s too early to determine if he’s a late bloomer, Nava is drawing attention to himself with his fine play since being recalled and now puts the Red Sox in a nice position to potentially deal him while he has some reasonable value.
Silverman did not report any other teams specifically that were interested in Boston’s outfielders, but that is likely to change as time goes by in the next two weeks and the deadline approaches. Cody Ross would likely fetch the greatest return given his ability to hit for power this season, but Cherington appears to be reluctant to deal Ross despite him only being inked to a one-year deal.