The Red Sox Could Start Trading Soon

A few weeks ago the Boston Red Sox were the hottest team in baseball, but now they have fallen 2.5 games off the pace in the American League East, as the New York Yankees have gotten things together, winning eight of their last 10. As a result, the Sox could start dealing soon.

Reports suggest the team is actively looking to improve its roster through a trade or trades. It is not certain yet if the Red Sox are actually legitimate contenders for New York Mets stars Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes, but they will most definitely look to add smaller pieces, like bullpen help and bench pieces.

Boston apparently does not have a ton of financial flexibility right now, thanks to the huge deals handed out to Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez.

The Red Sox designated Mike Cameron for assignment on Thursday, which means they will eat the $3.6 million left of the $7.25 million he is owed this season. Cameron signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal in December of 2009. After adding Carl Crawford this offseason, Cameron became a fourth outfielder and his production fell off tremendously. In his 17th year in the big leagues Cameron was hitting just .149 with three home runs and nine RBI, and was in the midst of a 3-for-39 slump when he got cut.

With J.D. Drew being his typically disappointing self (.235, four home runs, 18 RBI, .333 OBP) the Red Sox will definitely be looking for an upgrade in the outfield. If recently brought up minor leaguer Yamaico Navarro doesn’t prove to be a solution quickly, the team will likely send him back down and make a move.

We’ll keep you updated on what we hear.