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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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Jun 10, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) in the field during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) in the field during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Mike Moustakas

Mike Moustakas and the Red Sox have already been linked to each other fairly strongly. The Kansas City Royals are going to be forced to accept a rebuilding phase heading into the free agencies for Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, and Lorenzo Cain. All three could be wearing a different uniform by the end of July.

Moustakas is enjoying a career year in his walk year, and is well ahead of pace to set a new career high in home runs and slugging percentage. He is continuing his power breakout from early 2016 that was cut short by a serious knee injury. In 59 games this year, Moustakas is slashing .282/.323/.564 with 12 doubles, 18 home runs, and 42 RBI.

As has been the case for his entire career, Moustakas has drastic left-right splits, but is hitting for more power against lefties than at any point in his career. The 28-year-old has slugged .474 against left-handed pitching this year. For his career, Moustakas has only slugged .388 against southpaws.

Next: 5 players the Orioles should acquire

Of the three third baseman mentioned in this post, Moustakas is the most attractive and likely option. The Red Sox will trade for an upgrade at the hot corner. Moustakas offers more consistent quality contact than Todd Frazier and more power than Eduardo Nunez. If they are willing to eat the rest of Pablo Sandoval’s contract, re-signing Moustakas after the trade could also be on the table for the Red Sox.

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