The Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds seem like logical trade partners on paper. Nothing has come to fruition yet.
The Reds have not discussed a trade with the Red Sox involving Boston outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Tuesday.
Cespedes’ name has been tossed around in trade speculation this offseason, especially since Hanley Ramirez signed a four-year contract with Boston last week to play left field.
The Red Sox have a whole bunch of outfielders and need pitching, whereas the Reds have a surplus of starting pitchers and need a corner outfielder.
The Red Sox’s crowded outfield currently includes the likes of Cespedes, Ramirez, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Allen Craig, Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley Jr. Four Reds starters — Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Alfredo Simon and Mike Leake — are set to hit free agency next offseason, and it’s long been assumed that Cincinnati will look to move one or two this offseason in an attempt to address other areas of need.
The Red Sox acquired Cespedes from the Oakland Athletics at the 2014 Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline. The 29-year-old hit .269 with five homers, 33 RBIs and a .296 on-base percentage in 51 games with Boston. He finished the season hitting .260 with 22 homers, 100 RBIs and a .301 on-base percentage in 152 games split between the two destinations.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington recently said he expects Cespedes to be part of Boston’s 2015 plans. Boston manager John Farrell said Cespedes could play center field or right field with Ramirez joining the mix.
Thumbnail photo via Alex Gallardo/The Associated Press
