MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Motivated to Land Jake Peavy
By John Parent
The Boston Red Sox and “very much in” on talks for Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy, this according to Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan.
Red Sox very much in Jake Peavy sweepstakes. Wouldn't exactly say they're favorites but between motivation and prospects in strong position.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2013
Peavy is owed the remained to $14.5 million this season and another $14.5 million next year. His contract also includes a $15 million player option for 2015, which could vest with an innings trigger but seems likely to be exercised either way. That alone makes Peavy significantly less attractive and downright unattainable for several teams who don’t have a spare $15 million in their budget for an injury-prone starter.
Boston’s financial resources make taking on the risk that comes with Peavy much more palatable and the more of his contract that Boston, or any other team, picks up, the less that team will have to give up in terms of prospects. It is unclear at this point whether the White Sox value young players or salary relief more.
Peavy is 8-4 this season with a 4.28 ERA through 80 innings pitched (13 starts). He has maintained a strikeout rate on par with his career numbers and continues to be stingy with walks. Peavy has, however, given up an unusually high number of home runs, contributing to the elevated ERA. Any team that acquires his should expect that number to come down as the season wears on.