MLB Insider Throws Cold Water On Possible Red Sox-Yankees Blockbuster Despite Speculation
The Boston Red Sox will be looking for a new second baseman this offseason.
Boston's biggest roster hole certainly is in the starting rotation but the club also has a hole that needs to be filled at second base. The Red Sox already have been linked to multiple players this offseason -- including three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield. One surprising name that has popped up lately is New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres but it sounds like a move isn't a possibility, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
"Do not believe the rumored Verdugo-for-Gleyber Torres nonsense," Passan said. "Even if the fits match, the likelihood of the Red Sox and Yankees pulling off a deal of substance is minuscule. That said, the industry believes Boston wants to move Verdugo, while a Torres trade doesn't align with New York's desire to improve its offense, he's a year from free agency and slated to make upward of $15 million in arbitration when the Yankees have Oswald Peraza champing at the bit for at-bats."
Torres recently was linked to the Red Sox as a possible trade candidate in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo. New York has shown interest in acquiring Verdugo and needs a new outfielder. Plus, the Yankees have a surplus of infielders. Boston has a surplus of outfielders but needs a new middle infielder.
Although a move makes sense on paper, it doesn't sound like the Yankees and Red Sox will be coming together on a blockbuster trade any time soon, according to Passan. Boston has other options in free agency that could help and certainly should take a look into signing Merrifield if they can't get Torres.
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