MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Big Deals the Boston Red Sox Might Trigger

Even though the Red Sox are leading the division right now and have the best record in the American League, there is still some work to be done.

As of late, injuries have taken over the Red Sox. Josh Beckett was out for a while, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are on the disabled list and Kevin Youkilis has been playing injured most of this year.

With that in mind, the Red Sox need to improve in a lot of areas in order to stay atop their division.

Here is a list of players who could move to the Boston this year.

10. Ryan Ludwick, San Diego Padres, Left Field

It seems like Ludwick is on the block every year, and this year is no different. The Red Sox could use another power bat, and the price for Ludwick won’t be too high. He is putting together a pretty decent season (11 home runs and 55 RBIs), numbers that will definitely help the Red Sox.

9. Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers, Shortstop

If only the Red Sox could get Furcal. He provides great speed and defense. Finding a franchise shortstop has been hard for the Red Sox in recent years and Furcal would be a solid shortstop for the next couple of years, sharing time with Jed Lowrie and eventually Lowrie taking over. Furcal is not having too good a year this year, but that could change in a place like Boston.

8. Jose Reyes, New York Mets, Shortstop

Perfect fit for the Red Sox. The only reason he is so high on the list is he will be very difficult to get. Reyes’ numbers are out of this world so far. He adds speed and hits to the lineup. Jacoby Ellsbury and Jose Reyes would be a great one-two punch in the lineup. In addition, it will give Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz more opportunities to knock in more runs. If a trade does happen, look for the Red Sox to be a real World Series contender.

7. Bruce Chen, Kansas City Royals, Starting Pitcher

The Red Sox need starting pitching because all the injuries being that have been surmounted. Chen has been consistent this year and has very good numbers. He is 5-2 with 3.26 ERA. If the Red Sox don’t acquire a pitcher, Kevin Millwood is the likely replacement. Chen would be a better option.

6. Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins, Right Field/Third Base

I don’t think many people had the Twins pegged as a non-contender this year, but they are eight games back and things aren’t looking too good. Always, looking to trade big players for salary purposes, the Red Sox would be a good fit for Cuddyer. He could be a replacement for J.D. Drew and if Kevin Youkilis gets injured, could replace him at third.

5. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets, Outfield

Some thought Beltran’s career was over, but he proved people wrong this year. His is quickly becoming one of the most sought after players at this year’s trade deadline. Beltran can be considered a five-tool player. His fielding and speed have diminished a little, but he still has a lot of power. This year, he is batting .283 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. Although the price tag will be high for Beltran, he is worth it.

4. Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners, Starting Pitcher

If the Mariners are out of the playoff hunt, which they probably will be, look for them to trade Bedard. If Bedard goes to the Sox, he would be a perfect number four or five starter. Currently, Bedard is on the disabled list and he next start should come after the All-Star break, so it’s not a major injury.

3. Jeff Baker, Chicago Cubs, Second Base

His name doesn’t jump out you, I know. Baker could help the Red Sox coming off the bench and could replace Pedroia if he needs to rest or gets injured.

2. Jeff Francoeur, Kansas City Royals, Right Field

J.D. Drew is very inconsistent so having Francoeur share time with Drew would be a great idea. Both hitters are streaky but when they are hot, they hit every ball in sight.

1. James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays, Starting Pitcher

The Red Sox would be close to unstoppable if they acquired Shields. The Rays are like the Twins in that they like to dump players if they cost too much money. Shields will be too expensive for the Rays to keep. He is having a Cy Young type year and look for that to continue if he is on the Red Sox.