Jake Peavy‘s name is suddenly one to keep an eye on.
The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported Friday that the Red Sox will watch Peavy closely over his next few starts, and ESPN’s Buster Olney has since reported that the Red Sox are “doing background work” on the right-hander.
Peavy is an interesting potential trade target, as he was once one of the best pitchers in baseball. That’s obviously no longer the case, due in large part to injuries, but the 32-year-old could make an impact in the middle of the rotation.
Peavy is 6-4 with a 4.30 ERA in 11 starts this season, and he went 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA in 32 starts last season while earning his third All-Star selection. Peavy was the NL Cy Young while with the Padres in 2007, when he went 19-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 34 starts.
It’s unclear what the White Sox would be seeking in exchange for Peavy, but the biggest factor involved is the pitcher’s contract. Peavy, who is making $14.5 million this season, is slated to make $14.5 million again in 2014, and he has a $15 million player option for 2015 that kicks in if he meets certain requirements.
Red Sox owner John Henry said recently, though, that money won’t be an issue at the trade deadline, so perhaps Peavy could be a fit if the Red Sox aren’t required to part with any top-tier prospects.
Peavy will make his first start since June 4 on Sunday. He has missed the last six weeks with a fractured rib.
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Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison
