The Boston Red Sox have been quiet while just about everyone else in baseball seems to make moves. It looks as though their silence has come to an end.
The Red Sox have expressed interest in San Diego Padres starter Tyson Ross and Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick was the first to report Boston’s interest in Ross, saying the Red Sox have been operating “very quietly.” Minutes later, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal confirmed the Sox’s interest in Ross, adding a deal could include Kimbrel. The club’s potential involvement in Kimbrel talks also was confirmed by CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman.
It’s still far too early to know what the Red Sox might be offering. Reports in recent days indicated the Padres could be gearing up for something big and figured to be one of the busiest teams leading up to Friday afternoon’s deadline.
The 28-year-old Ross is a guy who can eat innings. The 2008 second-round draft pick was an All-Star last season and is having another strong season in 2015. Ross is tied for the most starts (22) in all of baseball after taking the ball 31 times last season, amassing 195 2/3 innings. He’s 7-8 with a 3.38 ERA and has a 3.63 career ERA. He does have the benefit of pitching in spacious Petco Park, but Ross’ road ERA — 2.63 — is nearly two runs better than his 4.47 home ERA.
Kimbrel, 27, was acquired by the Padres in April right before the season started. The four-time All-Star is one of the best closers in baseball, averaging 46 saves over his last four full seasons. He’s having another fine season in 2015 with 30 saves and 56 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings. Even better, Kimbrel is signed through 2018 and is owed a little more than $12 per season over the duration of his deal.
The New York Yankees and Houston Astros also have interest in Kimbrel, according to ESPN.com.
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Thumbnail photo via Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images
