The pitcher addressed trade rumors on Friday while speaking with WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, and Beckett made it clear that he wants to remain with the Red Sox.
"Absolutely," the righty said of his desire to not be traded. "But if people don't want you, you don't want to be there."
Beckett, however, does have a say in any potential trade scenarios. As a player with 10 years of major league service and five with one team, he has the right to veto any possible move. That's something he says he isn't worrying about, though.
"I don't have to," Beckett said. "I've never even been around this time of year when my name has even been a topic."
The fact that Beckett's name has even been suggested in trades seems to be a surprise to the pitcher. He pointed to a conversation with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington as a major reason why he thinks the rumblings of any potential move are just noise.
"[Cherington] assured me during spring training that he wants me here," Beckett continued regarding the rumors, "so as far as I'm concerned, it's just made-up fodder."
While he remains open to the possibility of a trade, Beckett seems set on staying in Boston.
