Red Sox Trade Possibilities To Back Burner?

Mar 1, 2015; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder

(50) poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

New York Post‘s Joel Sherman gave his opinion, Monday, about how the Boston Red Sox are at the forefront of all the trade possibilities that could send ripples throughout Major League Baseball. Trade rumors, of course, are only speculation; however, with the amount of players the Red Sox have to unload, they are bound to make a deal at some point, this season. Maybe sooner than later.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said, earlier this year, that Hanley Ramirez will play left field, with Rusney Castillo and Mookie Betts fighting for center field. They will not be dealing Ramirez after just signing him to a very lucrative contract. Boston will also not be dealing Castillo or Betts, as they have been considered untouchable for the foreseeable future. Daniel Nava is certainly a possibility, but, as he is not nearly as young or as costly as some other names, there does not seem to be as much talk about him. That is, unless he is a part of a packaged deal. That means other names will be creeping up, regardless of what has been said by the Red Sox, during these spring training games.

Let us take a look at each of Sherman’s three main trade ideas, and see how they would affect the Red Sox:

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.

Aug 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder

Jr. (25) at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Jackie Bradley Jr.

Sherman believes that the peach-growing state of Atlanta may be the place Bradley should be calling home, soon. “Bradley already was liked by the Braves even before their disappointing center fielder, Melvin Upton, went down until at least April with a foot injury.”

Once a promising prospect, Bradley was brought up to the big club in 2013 for a short stint and then in 2014 for 127 games. Both sessions were less than amazing at the plate, to say the least. Bradley hit .189 and .198, in respective seasons. Sherman stated that the Red Sox “will see if Bradley has been able to upgrade his offense to complement his already stellar defense.” Well, that better be including swings that bring down his strikeout total down. Bradley struck out 121 times to only 31 walks.

Being known as a fast runner, making incredible diving catches in the outfield, does not help much when you do not get on base. Bradley stole eight bases, but his on-base percentage was only .265.

The Braves may have shown interest in his services, especially with a need to fill a hole in their lineup. However, if Bradley cannot improve quickly, this spring, the Braves will have to look elsewhere for a center fielder whom is ready to play MLB games in April. Bradley’s destiny seems more likely to go to the minors to improve his hitting. If the Braves want someone for the farm system, then it would be more likely than for any immediate needs.