MLB Trade Rumors: With Clay Buchholz Hurt, Do the Red Sox Need Ubaldo Jimenez?

The Boston Red Sox are taking every precaution possible with starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, whose back problems may force general manager Theo Epstein to add some starting depth before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, and Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez seems to be the man targeted.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman, the Red Sox are the most aggressive pursuer of Jimenez, with the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees also having interest in the right-hander.

Buchholz will fly to Los Angeles on Monday to get his back examined by renowned specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

If Buchholz's back problems are a real issue, and there's a possibility that he won't be at full strength for the playoffs, the Red Sox need another starter.

Not just another fourth of fifth starter either, a real staff ace-like starter who can pitch meaningful games in the postseason.

John Lackey hasn’t been what the Red Sox hoped he’d be after they signed him to a massive contract before last season, and there’s no way Red Sox manager Terry Francona can trust Lackey in a clutch situation in October.

It’s going to take an awful lot to acquire Jimenez. Multiple top prospects will have to be parted with, and the Sox already gave up several top prospects to acquire Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres this past offseason.

The Red Sox certainly have the talent in their minor league system to get Jimenez, the question is do they want to set their farm system back a few years to get Jimenez.

The Rockies are said to want a “Herschel Walker” type of package in return for their staff ace. But Jimenez is having a down year, and is only 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.

He was third in the NL Cy Young award voting last season.

Some top Red Sox prospects who could be part of a possible Jimenez trade are pitchers Anthony Ranaudo and Kyle Weiland, and positional players Ryan Kalish, Josh Reddick and Jose Iglesias.

It would take a package of more than one of the aforementioned prospects to get Jimenez, but with the uncertainty surrounding the Red Sox starting rotation, a deal for the Rockies ace almost makes too much sense.

The Red Sox could get to the World Series with Josh Beckett and Jon Lester healthy and Buchholz hurt, but it would be difficult to beat the San Francisco Giants or Philadelphia Phillies without a solid No. 3 starter.

At age 27, Jimenez’s trade value may never be higher than it is right now. With the Rockies not likely to be contending for a playoff spot, trading Jimenez is the only move for Colorado.

Not only is he a young player with loads of talent, he will be very cheap to control for the next few seasons.

Jimenez is set to make $4.2 million next season, with two team options of $5.75 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2014. The 2014 option can be voided by Jimenez if he’s traded.

By acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez the Boston Red Sox will have another fantastic young pitcher, and although he will cost a lot to get, he will cost very little to retain for years to come.

This trade is a no-brainer for the Sox.

Nicholas Goss is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, and is a senior at Suffolk University in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for MLB Trade Deadline news and rumors. Follow @NicholasGoss35.