Red Sox Trade Rumors: Nationals & Brewers Interested in Kelly Shoppach

Tuesday is here which means the trade rumors are becoming fact or fiction with multiple teams already making moves with some being bold, others minor.  The Red Sox rumors are aplenty with much speculation surrounding the big name of Josh Beckett.  But catcher Kelly Shoppach‘s name has been floating around the rumor mill for more than a month and today we learn that both the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals are interested in Shoppach.

It’s no secret the Sox are trying to move one of their catchers, likely Shoppach, to make room for the youngster, Ryan Lavarnway.  Many teams including the Brew Crew and Nats are in need of some catching depth and acquiring Shoppach would provide that experience.

On the season, the 32-year old is hitting .261/.343/.513 in 136 plate appearances while serving as a backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  He has roughly $470k owing on his contract for this year, so money won’t be a problem for the team’s in the running.  A report came out last week that the price tag on Shoppach was incredibly high and that could deter teams from pulling the trigger.  Given we are mere hours from the deadline, either a team will pay the ransom or Cherington will drop the price to ensure he moves Shoppach to make way for Lavarnway.

This is probably the most likely deal to happen today and it could just be a matter of where he goes.  So far nothing has been confirmed as to what the asking price is for Shoppach and no reports are out that a deal is close.  We’ll keep you posted.