5 teams expected to be active on the MLB trade market

1. Red Sox considering all options to get under the luxury tax

There’s been a lot of talk centering around outfielder Mookie Betts, as he’s been linked to a few teams in this article, but the Red Sox seemed to be more focused on moving left-handed starter David Price. The 34-year-old Price will make $32 million over the next three seasons and the Red Sox new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom seems motivated to move Price, even reportedly open to pay down the veteran’s salary to make it closer to $20 million per year for teams.

However, Bloom is refusing to include any prospects or other players on the roster in the deal. So while teams like the White Sox, Reds, Angels, Padres, and Cardinals have all shown interest, they’re are reluctant to pay Price $96 million over the next three years. Even the $60 million he would cost should the Red Sox pay almost $36 million of his remaining money, Price hasn’t posted an ERA below 3.00 since 2015 and he finished last season with a 4.28 ERA – his worst since 2009.

If Bloom can’t deal Price in the right deal, it may eventually lead to moving Mookie Betts with the interest also high in the former AL MVP. The preference is a deal for Price, according to Bob Nightengale, but the goal is to get under the luxury tax – and Chaim Bloom seems motivated to do whatever is necessary to make that happen.