The Boston Red Sox finished the 2017 season last in the American League with only 168 home runs and their .149 ISO was 28th in baseball. They hope to rectify that situation by going after outfielder J.D. Martinez and Eric Hosmer.
According to a report by Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that the Red Sox don’t just want Hosmer or Martinez, that ideally they would get both to fix a team had a 92 wRC+ last season.
Silverman also reports that in order to be able to afford both they would likely have to deal first base/DH Hanley Ramirez who will earn $22 million each of the next two seasons.
The rival Yankees have been anything but quiet this offseason already acquiring the National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton and have now shifted to improving their rotation. In doing so, they’ve shown serious interest in Pittsburgh Pirates starter Gerrit Cole.
Cole, 27, is coming off arguably the worst season of his career in which he posted a 4.26 ERA, 4.08 FIP, 1.25 WHIP and had a 1.4 HR/9. Though he did prove his health while making 33 starts and throwing 203 innings.
Cole is arbitration eligible for the second time this offseason and is under team control for three seasons.
George King of the New York Post reports that both teams have had discussions that would include the Yankees trading outfield prospect Clint Frazier as part of the package for Cole.
Other MLB News and Notes
The Cleveland Indians have signed outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. to a minor deal according to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Brandon Drury is drawing trade interest from multiple clubs. Drury hit .267/.317/.447, 92 wRC+ while playing strong defense at second (5 DRS) and poor at third (-1 DRS).
The Texas Rangers have interest in Japanese right-handed submariner Kazuhisa Makita according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Makita will be posted by the Seibu Lions before January 1. Makita had a 2.30 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 7.00 SO/W last season in Japan.
Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports that the Washington Nationals could be a dark horse contender for JD Martinez given the relationship between the team, Scott Boras being the agent and the possibility of Bryce Harper leaving via free agency after 2018.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the teams that have spoken to the White Sox about Avisail Garcia according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Giants have also checked in on Garcia.
Former Phillie Cody Asche has signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals.
Jonny Venters is again on the comeback trail after signing a minor league deal with the Rays. The former Brave has undergone four Tommy John surgeries.
The Miami Marlins designated lefty Hunter Cervenka for assignment.
Zack Cozart is being considered by the Angels as an option for third base.
