The answer, apparently, is yes, according to Fox Sports, which reported that the Red Sox are not only shopping Lowell to other teams, but that they’re willing to pay half of his $12 million salary for 2010 for another team to take him.
An executive from another major league team, however, told Fox that he would be surprised if the Red Sox were able to find a taker for the 35-year-old Lowell, even at just $6 million.
Rotoworld.com suggests that the Twins and Phillies could be interested at that price, but it’s unclear at this point what the Red Sox might be looking for in return. A member of the Red Sox since 2006, Lowell does have a no-trade clause that he could use to block a deal.
Lowell hit .290 with 17 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2009, even though he played in just 119 games. The four-time All-Star and 2007 World Series MVP has suffered from hip issues over the past few seasons, an injury that has limited his defensive range.
With Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez thought to be among the Red Sox’ more serious offseason targets, fans and experts alike have been wondering how and where Lowell might fit into the equation for next season. If Lowell were traded and Gonzalez were brought in, the Red Sox would likely move Kevin Youkilis from first to third.
