The Boston Red Sox are looking like sellers at the MLB trade deadline and this year names like Jon Lester and John Lackey are the main targets and teams like the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles or LA Dodgers could be interested, as Matt Kemp could be a name that Los Angeles moves for a pitcher and the trade deadline is coming on Thursday.
According to Hardball Talk, the Mariners and Orioles have expressed interest in Lester and now the Red Sox may look to trade him, as they have not been able to come to a contract agreement and he is set to be a free agent. ESPN.com reports that Lester has said he is willing to sign back with the Red Sox if he is traded, meaning he likely would be a rental, but the Sox still could get a solid option for him to another team. ESPN Boston reports that a deal for Matt Kemp is an option, but right now it is not close to happening.
The Red Sox could be major players at the deadline since they are struggling and while Lester has gotten more attention, Lackey could be more valuable, as he has a cheap option for 2015 at just $500K and that could get some teams interested. Lester knows that he could be traded and since he could get a draft pick later if he leaves, teams could be willing to make the move even if he wants to sign back with the Red Sox as a free agent.
Lackey has been solid this season and he has a 3.55 ERA over his last 50 starts according to Hardball Talk and that could get some teams to make trade packages for him. The Mariners and the Orioles could use some support in the rotation along with the Dodgers and reports have the Red Sox as a potential interested party in Matt Kemp. The Mariners have been slumping hard and their offense has been a mess and while they need a bat, they also need another arm.
According to Fox Sports, the Mariners and Orioles have looked into Lester and the Dodgers also could be in the mix. Teams looking at David Price may turn to Lester since he may cost less and the Mariners are an option, as Lester is from Tacoma and may want a half season there before returning to Boston. The Orioles have seen Lester up close all season and they too could be a potential target for the team.
The Orioles have Dylan Bundy or Kevin Gausman and they do not want to trade those guys, but they may not have a choice if they want to make a move like this. The Mariners were in on Price, but that may be too much to give up and the team is hoping to make a deal without giving up names like Chris Taylor or DJ Peterson, although they may have to give up Taijuan Walker.
