Report: Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade, Red Sox Listed as Prime Candidate

Ever since Manny Ramirez's departure from Boston in 2008, the Red Sox have struggled to replace his offense in the lineup — but the answer could be waiting in Detroit.

According to the Detroit News, Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera could be available via trade, and the Red Sox could be one of few teams who can afford to take him on.

While it has long been assumed that Cabrera is off-limits, the Detroit News reports that Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski and owner MIke Ilitch have made it clear that the economic situation in Detroit has caught up with the team and it may not be able to afford the financial investment it put forth in 2009.

Cabrera, a 26-year-old slugger who is generally good for at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs per year, made $15 million in 2009 and will make $20 million in 2010 and 2011. He is set to make $21 million in 2012 and 2013, then jumps to $22 million in 2014. He was signed to a seven-year extension in 2008, prior to a severe downturn in Detroit's economy.

The Detroit News' Lynn Henning lists the Red Sox as the prime candidate to be able to land Cabrera via trade, not only because they can afford it but because they have the necessary components for a potential trade. Henning mentions 25-year-old hurler Clay Buchholz as a key piece of the trade puzzle, a still-developing right-hander who could complement Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello in the Tigers' rotation.