It seems like there’s always been smoke between Joe Mauer and the Red Sox. There’s likely no fire.
According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox have inquired about Mauer multiple times recently but were informed by the Twins that the three-time batting champion is not being traded.
Mauer’s name has been tossed around as a potential option for the Sox for quite a while. Most recently, he was considered an option when the Twins placed the 29-year-old on waivers shortly after Boston dealt away Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, and thus gained significant financial flexibility.
Acquiring Mauer in a deal would certainly require that flexibility, as the five-time All-Star is slated to make roughly $142.5 million over the next six seasons under his current contract.
Mauer is coming off a season in which he hit .319 with 10 home runs and 85 RBIs while getting on base at a .416 clip. His career average sits at .323 while his on-base percentage is a fantastic .405.
Red Sox inquired on Mauer in Sept., Oct., Nov…”not being traded” response. Period
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) November 28, 2012
