MLB Trade Rumors: Kevin Youkilis to the White Sox Is Boston's Best Option

With all of the drama starting to unfold over Boston's third base position, the debate arises as to what the Red Sox should do with Kevin Youkilis and Will Middlebrooks.

Youkilis, currently injured, and Middlebrooks, currently surging, have brought an interesting case to the desk of general manager Ben Cherington.

Cherington has several options to consider:

1. Start Youkilis at 3B and send Middlebrooks back to Triple-A Pawtucket

2. Start Youkilis at 3B and move Middlebrooks to OF

3. Start Youkilis at 3B to increase value, then trade him

4. Start Middlebrooks at 3B and trade Youkilis immediately

The most interesting options seem to be those that involve trading Kevin Youkilis, because it is a very special situation.

Youkilis is one of the longest tenured player currently on the roster, and he has been a fan favorite for several seasons. He's owed $12 million this season, and the team holds an option on him for next year for $13 million, with a $1 million buyout.

He struggled to start the season, hitting .219/.292/.344 with two home runs and nine RBI, and is currently on the 15-day disabled list with back issues. 

Does he have any trade value? Not really. Giving him some time to increase that trade value before Cherington can find a suitor might be necessary.

There may, however, be a team interested right now. That team? The Chicago White Sox.

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers wrote this morning that the White Sox have to be interested if Youkilis is on the trading block.

He argues that Boston could eliminate the automatic out in their lineup and add a valuable reliever in Matt Thornton. Chicago, meanwhile, could improve on Brent Morel, their underachieving third baseman, and also stick it to the Chicago Cubs' front office.

Thornton had an unbelievable March and April, going 1-0 in 12 appearances. He had an 0.82 ERA in 11 innings, striking out 10 and not allowing a walk. He has struggled in three appearances in May, though, taking the loss in two of those games.

Thornton is owed $11 million over the next two seasons and has a $6 million team option on his contract for 2014. 

Thornton could be what Boston needs in its bullpen.