The Boston Red Sox made their first trade deadline splash Saturday by dealing pitcher Jake Peavy to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for two minor leaguers. The next splash might not occur right away.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell told reporters Saturday that the Peavy trade doesn’t necessarily mean Boston is nearing other deals. In fact, the Red Sox aren’t anticipating any other trades in the immediate future.
“There’s nothing imminent, I can tell you that, or even remotely close, to any other deals to be made,” Farrell said. “But their work and their efforts continue on as everyone in baseball now.”
Peavy had been the subject of trade rumors for weeks, so it’s unsurprising to see him dealt five days before Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline. The attention now shifts to Boston’s other veterans, particularly those hitting free agency after this season, and whether the Red Sox will seriously consider wholesale changes geared toward improving the club for 2015 and beyond.
“We’re listening,” Cherington said. “We’re gathering information as we have been over really the last month or so, and as we get closer to the deadline, it starts to become more clear as to what teams are the most motivated to add in different areas, whether it’s starting pitching or bullpen or position players or whatever. And so we’ll start to get more clarity on exactly what opportunities might be out there for us.
“But we’re not there yet. We’re not closing in on anything yet, but we’re listening and we’ll just see how the rest of the week goes.”
A lot could happen before Thursday’s deadline, especially now that the Red Sox have shown a willingness to wheel and deal. Red Sox ace Jon Lester indicated Friday that he’d be open to re-signing with Boston over the offseason even if he’s dealt, and first baseman/outfielder Mike Carp confirmed Saturday that he asked to be traded because of his reduced role this season. ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes reported Friday that scouts from at least 17 major league teams attended the series opener between the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
There might not be any major announcements forthcoming, but things obviously can change at the drop of a hat.
