Red Sox Trade Rumors: Dealing Kevin Youkilis Would Be a Smart Move

The Boston Red Sox would be smart to trade Kevin Youkilis because it would allow the team to give promising young third baseman Will Middlebrooks more at bats and acquire young prospects to rebuild the farm system.

Since Youkilis still has good offensive and defensive ability, one would imagine that several teams would think about acquiring him.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, a few World Series contenders are looking for help at third base.

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If [Youkilis] can show he’s healthy, there’s a strong third base market out there for the Red Sox. According to a National League special assignment scout, “The Giants are one of a few teams who are actively looking. They would love a guy with some power. The Phillies are looking, and even though the Rays say they aren’t, don’t be surprised if they try to pick someone up.’’

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The Giants and Phillies would be great fits for Youkilis, especially when you consider how both of those teams could use a patient hitter who makes pitchers work hard. The fact that Youkilis is a Gold Glove-caliber player also helps his value.

At age 33, Youkilis' prime is past him, and he's no longer a player the Red Sox can build their team around.

He has never played a full season as a big league player, and has battled through multiple injuries including back issues. Over the last four years, Youkilis has missed 145 games, which is almost a full season's worth of time.

Youkilis isn't the same offensive star he once was, and since 2008 when he hit a career high 29 home runs, his output in that category has declined in every year since. He also batted a career low .258 last year after three straight .300 seasons.

He's just not a reliable player anymore, and the Red Sox would be smart to capitalize on his value by trading him to a contending team desperate for more offense or defense at the corners.

If the Red Sox can trade Youkilis for some prospects and allow Middlebrooks to have an increased role, it would be a good move.

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