The Boston Red Sox haven’t been too involved in the trade market this offseason.
However, one former Major League Baseball executive reported that the team has undergone trade discussions with the Miami Marlins.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowen, who previously served as an MLB general manager, offered two Marlins names as it relates to possible Red Sox trade talks. Bowden insinuated that trade talks between the Red Sox and Marlins have been ongoing and that Miami would be “willing” to move one middle infielder and starting pitcher.
“According to an industry source, Boston has been working on trades with the Marlins, who have a veteran shortstop (Miguel Rojas) and a proven starter (Pablo López) they’d be willing to move,” Bowden wrote on Wednesday.
This isn’t the first time the Rojas has been linked to the Red Sox this offseason. Boston reportedly asked the Marlins about the 33-year-old, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Rojas is entering his age-34 season. The veteran has proven to be a more than serviceable shortstop, most notably with his glovework. Rojas ranked second among MLB shortstops in defensive runs saved (17) with a .988 fielding percentage in 140 games. He also hit .236/.283/.322 with six home runs and 36 RBIs.
López, who turns 27 in March, would serve as a solid rotation upgrade. Last season, Red Sox pitchers combined to rank 25th in ERA (4.53) and WHIP (1.35). In Miami, López made a career-high 32 starts and pitched to a 3.75 ERA. The right-handed starter also struck out 174 batters with a 1.17 WHIP in 180 innings pitched.
Bowden hinted at the Red Sox’s willingness to barter with the Marlins, even if it meant they’d part ways with big-league talent or minor-league prospects.
“They’re ready to trade prospects and from their major-league depth for a proven player, or players, entering their prime years, preferably players who reside in the middle infield,” Bowden wrote. “The Red Sox front office has taken a lot of heat for its offseason moves, but remember, with six weeks until pitchers and catchers report, they still have plenty of time to improve their roster.”
