Report: Red Sox Have Had Discussions With Pirates Regarding Closer Joel Hanrahan

by Ricky Doyle on Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 8:46AM

The Red Sox already bolstered their bullpen by adding Koji Uehara, but the club might not be done adding arms to the equation.

The Sox are believed to have interest in Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. The Dodgers, who have been dropping cash like nobody’s business this offseason, are reportedly also interested in the 6-foot-4 right-hander.

Los Angeles seems like a logical destination considering its surplus of starting pitching. As Heyman points out, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang are available, as the Dodgers traded for Josh Beckett in August and signed the much coveted Zack Greinke this offseason.

Heyman reports that the Pirates are considering trading Hanrahan because the recently re-signed Jason Grilli could serve as the team’s closer, and Pittsburgh is aiming to add starting pitching. The Red Sox might be able to offer a package that includes multiple players, including a young pitcher.

ESPN.com also reports that the Sox and Pirates have had discussions regarding Hanrahan, and Pittsburgh is reportedly seeking a “significant return” in exchange for the righty.

Hanrahan recorded 36 saves and was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 63 appearances last season. In 2011, the 31-year-old compiled a 1.83 ERA and saved 40 games while being selected to his first of two All-Star Games.