There’s clearly smoke between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. There’s just no fire right now.
ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reported last week that the Red Sox and Tigers seem to have the makings for a trade involving Boston outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and Detroit pitcher Rick Porcello. The talks don’t seem to have gained steam, but multiple reports indicate that the sides at least discussed a potential deal involving the two players.
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A source told the Boston Herald’s Michael Silverman over the weekend that the Red Sox and Tigers discussed a potential Cespedes-Porcello swap but that talks are “not hot currently.” ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes reported the same Monday, simply saying there wasn’t a match between the teams.
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Perhaps the Red Sox and Tigers will rekindle trade talks at some point this offseason, or perhaps they’ll go their separate ways and search for other avenues to improve their respective rosters. Nevertheless, the possibility of a Cespedes-Porcello trade still is interesting, as the Red Sox need pitching and the Tigers are believed to be in the market for a corner outfielder.
Cespedes, whom the Red Sox acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline in exchange for Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes, hit .260 with 22 homers, 100 RBIs and a .751 OPS in 152 games this season. The 29-year-old has been the subject of trade speculation due to Boston’s crowded outfield and the fact he’s eligible for free agency following the 2015 season.
Porcello, who turns 26 this month, is coming off a season in which he went 15-13 with a 3.43 ERA in 32 appearances (31 starts). The right-hander is arbitration eligible and, like Cespedes, is slated to hit free agency next offseason.
One sticking point in a potential trade could be the Tigers’ desire to also land a pitcher to replace Porcello.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
