MLB Rumors: Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox interested in Marlon Byrd
By Hayden Kane
Marlon Byrd cranked two home runs in his game on Sunday afternoon. The Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder has also enjoyed success in a previous season as mid-season trade acquisition, something he did for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. Even with some struggles earlier this season, Byrd has emerged as a trade target at this year’s deadline.
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According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox would be interested in dealing for Byrd:
"Byrd remains on the fringe for a few teams that need a righthanded-hitting outfielder. The Royals and Red Sox are certainly in that boat."
Byrd is hitting .265/.317/.467 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. While his on-base numbers are down, his ability to deliver extra base hits would bring a lot of value to any contending team. As for a squad like the Red Sox, they would likely find the second year on Byrd’s deal appealing because they would have him through next season.
The Royals have been tied to other potential deals in their search for help in the outfield, including Seth Smith of the San Diego Padres. The disappointing play of Nori Aoki has motivated them to look elsewhere for an option to strengthen their lineup.
As for the Red Sox, they have been searching for answers in the outfield all season. Most recently that included the promotion of prospect Mookie Betts from Triple-A. Depending on how that goes, the Red Sox might gauge their participation in the trade market accordingly.