Red Sox Trade Possibilities To Back Burner?

Jul 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder

(18) in the dugout at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Victorino

Sherman feels that the Seattle Mariners would be an excellent spot for Victorino to land, this season. “If healthy, Victorino is a shutdown right fielder and energy player. He would be almost a perfect fit — especially with all his playoff experience — to hit in front of Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz in Seattle, among other teams.”

This idea does not seem to have a lot of steam behind it, although many Red Sox fans could see it being done. Farrell already announced that Victorino was going to be the starter in right field, this season. But Sherman believes that it “seems a necessity not to disrespect a veteran. Victorino has $13 million left on the final year of his contract and his removal might help Boston get closer to not going over the $189 million luxury-tax figure.” To say that money is a huge issue for the Red Sox and their ownership is a bit far-fetched, considering they just paid a number of veterans a great deal of money to come to Boston. More than likely, the Red Sox will eat Victorino’s contract and play him than to give him away for little in return.

While Victorino has been reported to taking batting practice by switch-hitting, something that gave him more success in his 11-year MLB career, his 34 years of age and recent back surgery woes have made him expendable. He only played 30 games last season, which makes it very important for Victorino to impress this March. Even if the Red Sox wanted to deal him, they might not be able to do it if he gets hurt again or plays poorly.

With all of this in mind, Seattle may not want him, either. The Mariners just gathered “their platoon acquisition of Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano, according to MLBTradeRumors.com. Their move was made to replace Michael Saunders, who went to the Toronto Blue Jays, earlier this offseason. Unless they feel very strongly that a veteran presence is needed, why would Seattle bring in Victorino this early? Maybe closer to the trade deadline, when much of the playoff races have a clearer picture, but not now.