The Boston Red Sox made a splash by signing Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval and now they may look at trade deals for pitchers, as names like Cole Hamels, Jordan Zimmerman, Johnny Cueto or Taijuan Walker could be available, while names like Jon Lester and Max Scherzer could also be options on the free agent market heading into 2015.
The Red Sox now are in position to make a run this season and they could look at making another big move to add a starting pitcher. The team traded away Jon Lester last season to the Oakland Athletics and while they have made a free agent offer to Lester, they have also checked in on other pitchers. Lookout Landing reports that Hisashi Iwakuma could be a target with the Mariners, while Hardball Talk writes that Cole Hamels and the Phillies also could be an option.
Bob Nightengale from USA Today has reported that the Red Sox have checked in on Hamel, who the Phillies could be willing to move this offseason. Hamels was mentioned as an option around the trade deadline, but the Phillies opted to sit tight at that point over the summer. Now that the Red Sox have signed Sandoval and Ramirez, some have speculated that they will use some of their prospects to help get some starting pitching.
The team also has options on the free agent market, as Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields are all available. Hardball Talk also reports that Hamels is a target for the Dodgers, as they would like to add some more depth to the rotation behind Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Hamels still has nearly $100 million left on his contract over four years and he is now 30 years old. Hamels obviously will cost less than Lester or Scherzer and he comes in after going over 200 innings with a 2.46 Era this season.
Joel Sherman at the NY Post writes that the Red Sox now are in position to trade for someone like Hamels, Cueto or Zimmerman this season now that they have signed Ramirez and Sandoval. The team has depth with Yoenis Cespedes, Allen Craig, Shane Victorino, Jackie Bradley Jr., Daniel Nava, Brock Holt and Mookie Betts and they could try and flip some of that talent for pitching. Zimmerman and the Nationals have been talking an extension, but he has come up in trade rumors and could be moved.
The Red Sox had a tough season last year, but now they are in position to make a big run. Ramirez comes full circle after starting his career in the organization and he signed a four year deal worth $88 million and likely will play outfield for the team. Sandoval decided to leave the Giants and he now will be taking up the left side of the infield for the Red Sox. The team plans on using Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and that would leave Ramirez as an outfield option, while Sandoval will play third base. The Red Sox may make more moves before free agency is over and the trade market is one to watch as well.