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MLB trade rumors: 5 players the Red Sox should acquire

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski looks on during batting practice before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski looks on during batting practice before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Eduardo Nunez (10) in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Eduardo Nunez (10) in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Eduardo Nunez

The Red Sox gambled on former San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, and his contract is heading into unmitigated-disaster territory. Sandoval came to the Sox as a free agent, but they could target another Bay Area third baseman at this trade deadline. The Giants have seen their season come off the rails and could be persuaded to trade any name on their roster except Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner.

Eduardo Nunez took his time becoming an MLB regular. He began his career as a utility infielder with the New York Yankees and only played more than 100 games once in his first four seasons. Nunez finally got his chance to play every day with Minnesota last year and batted .296/.325/.439 in the first half before being dealt to the Giants.

Nunez has continued to hit well for the Giants in his age-30 season. Through rougly 250 at-bats, he is batting over .300 with 17 doubles and 17 stolen bases. He can play all over the diamond, but is not necessarily great defensively at any one position.

The Red Sox may elect to look for a power bat at third base when they turn their attention to the trade market, but Nunez is a very solid veteran who can be valuable to a contender in multiple ways. His ability to play second base would also allow Dustin Pedroia to rest from time to time. Nunez also offers plenty of speed, which would allow the Red Sox contact-oriented attack to put even more pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses.

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