MLB Rumors: Boston Red Sox looking to trade for outfielder

May 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a glove and Boston Red Sox hat in the dugout prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a glove and Boston Red Sox hat in the dugout prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox routinely have one of the better offensives in Major League Baseball, but so far, this season has been a dud offensively – especially in the outfield.

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Because of that, the Red Sox are apparently hitting the market, looking to trade for an outfielder says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

“They have their scouts out looking hard for an outfielder, a guy who can play defense and be steady at the plate. As they gave Will Middlebrooks and Xander Bogaerts as long as they could to solidify the left side of the infield before pulling the trigger on Stephen Drew, they are now giving Daniel Nava, Grady Sizemore, and Jackie Bradley Jr. every opportunity to call off the wolves.

Right now, the wolves are howling.”

Cafardo notes a piece from Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated noting  that currently, the Red Sox are on pace to have their least productive outfield in the era of 162 games, so clearly, a change needs to be made.

But when and for who?

The Red Sox could attempt to strike before the iron gets too hot come the July trade deadline as waiting too long may only put them in a deeper hole while raising the prices on names who are to be available. Of course, none of the available names like Carlos Quentin, Josh Willingham or former player, Cody Ross are exactly awe inspiring and aren’t likely to save the Red Sox’s tragic outfield.

Boston can still likely hold on on a move for a few more weeks and maybe they’ll see a resurgence in the outfield which will prevent them from having to make a move, but it sounds like they’re preparing for something down the road just in case.