Red Sox Reportedly Interested In Gold Glove Outfielder Post-Shocking Trade
The Boston Red Sox made a massive shakeup to their outfield on Tuesday night in a mega-trade that sent Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees for a trio of prospects.
The Red Sox reportedly will consider adding some external help to bolster the position. Former Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Lourdes Gurriel Jr. appears to be the most enticing name linked post-trade but he's not the only outfielder the club reportedly has in mind.
"With Alex Verdugo traded, the Red Sox have room to sign an outfielder. They have interest in Michael A. Taylor, per a league source," NBC Houston's Ari Alexander reported Tuesday.
Taylor hit .220 with 36 extra-base hits including 21 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .720 OPS (94 OPS+) in 129 games for the Minnesota Twins last season. His production was unorthodox -- especially given his frame -- as he relied on power to boost his low contact rate.
The 32-year-old is most highly regarded for his defensive prowess in centerfield. Taylor recorded five defensive runs saved and eight outs above average last season. He has a Gold Glove in his trophy case and always shines in the field.
The Red Sox desperately need a defensive boost after an error-laden season in 2023 but Taylor does not fit onto Boston's roster.
Even without Verdugo, the Red Sox still have Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, Robert Refsnyder, Wilyer Abreu and possibly Ceddanne Rafaela to roam the outfield next season.
It would make more sense to roll out the young guys since it does not appear that Boston will be highly competitive next season.
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