Red Sox showing trade interest in Yankees middle infielder
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has made it clear he intends to improve the rotation. He also told reporters he intends to add a right-handed hitter and second baseman.
There’s a possibility the Red Sox could do that in one move. The Red Sox showed interest in trading for Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres at the trade deadline, per source. That interest continues to heat up, as Boston remains connected to the infielder, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
"(Tuesday) we talked a little bit about the value of right handed hitting middle infielder or at least some positional versatility,” Breslow told reporters including Bradford. “I think we feel a lot better about shortstop right now than we did, or maybe than the organization did at some other points during the season last year," he said. "But versatility is really, really valuable. I think we’re probably more keyed in on second base, though, than being able to play both."
Breslow has openly talked about Verdugo at the GM Meetings. While the new front office leader acknowledged he isn’t actively shopping the outfielder, teams are interested in the Gold Glove finalist.
"His fit is as an everyday right fielder who is playing Gold Glove caliber defense and can impact the ball on the offensive side, as well. We have had some conversations with him," Breslow added. "It feels like he’s committed to performing the best he possibly can. Obviously, he’s a guy other teams have reached on given the situation. I don’t think we’re in a position to commit to anything. We have to look at every opportunity, every interaction with another club or an agent that might make our team better. Where that lands, we’ll see."
Torres would be an excellent fit for the Red Sox. He gives Boston the right-handed hitter and infielder they are looking for 2024. Torres is in the final year of his deal, expecting to make $14 million next season.
Torres and Trevor Story would present an impressive double play duo up the middle. The 26-year-old mashed 25 homers last season with 13 stolen bases and an .800 OPS. With the emergence of young players on the Yankees roster including Oswald Peraza, Torres is looking to be expendable for the Yankees.
Verdugo remains a hot commodity this winter, it’s clear with this much chatter surrounding the 27-year-old, it’s increasingly unlikely he returns to Boston next season.
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Verdugo for Torres would be wild. Both fan bases would simultaneously love and hate it.