Red Sox trade targets: High priced starting pitchers

Chris Sale

Aug 30, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Sale represents the most productive player on this list, and yet, unlike Harvey or Fernandez I would hesitate to give up Bogaerts for him. He is signed all the way through 2019 (his age 30 season) and yet something about his lanky frame makes me nervous. Not too nervous to give up Betts mind you, but given how hard he throws and the number of innings he accrues I do wonder if eventually the Tommy John bug will bite him in the next few seasons.

Now if Rick Hahn were only willing to deal Sale for Bogaerts, that wouldn’t necessarily end negotiations. Sale is arguably the most talented pitcher in the American League and he is only 25. He pitched to a 2.17 ERA, with a dazzling 10.8 K/9 that will play in any ballpark and because of this, if he were to be made available, the Red Sox would have to give strong consideration to giving up almost any player to bring him to Boston. But I don’t know if it is a decision I could make and it is the reason I write blogs rather than manage a baseball team.

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Think I’m way off? Not trading Mookie or Xander no matter the return? Leave comments, questions and your own trade ideas in the comments.