Andre Ethier and MLB Trade Talk: Why the Boston Red Sox Should Deal for Him

They were extremely interesting and exciting Winter Meetings but the Red Sox really didn't make too big of a splash. The biggest news for Boston came when prized designated hitter David Ortiz accepted his arbitration offer and decided to return to the Red Sox.

GM Ben Cherington failed to complete a deal that would've gained Oakland closer Andrew Bailey and barely played a role in the bidding for Mark Buehrle or CJ Wilson. Boston did make a move to possibly bolster their bullpen, signing former Blue Jay Jesse Carlson to a split contract that includes a spring training invitation.

The Red Sox also re-signed Andrew Miller to a new contract which could make him a starting pitcher in 2012. Luckily enough for Boston, many free agent outfielders are still available to fill the gap left by JD Drew. 

Don't be shocked if Boston fails to sign a major free agent such as Josh Willingham or Carlos Beltran to fill the void. It's been rumored that Willingham has cut his list down to three teams and the Red Sox aren't one of them.

It also isn't likely that Carlos Beltran receives an offer from Boston. At this point it looks as if Boston is going to go with one of their young players in Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish.

If Boston does pull off a trade that would send Bailey to the Red Sox, one of these two could be a part of the package going to Oakland in return. The final option for Cherington would be to make a trade for a right fielder and one possibility is Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Ethier would be a steal for Boston. He is known for his great offense and outstanding defense, winning the Silver Slugger award in 2009 and a Gold Glove this past season. Ethier has also been voted to the All Star Game in the last two years, showing his dominance over others at his position.

It would be nice to have another left handed hitter in the lineup, primarily hitting behind Kevin Youkilis or David Ortiz.

The Dodgers are currently up for sale but GM Ned Colletti still made a plethora of deals during the Winter Meetings. Ethier will be going to arbitration with the Dodgers and will definitely be making more than the $9.25 million he earned in 2011; however, he would still be a bargain to Boston compared to what they were paying Drew.

In a trade, Boston would have to give up some of their bigger trade chips. Josh Reddick, Ryan Kalish, Jed Lowrie and most likely some prospects would have to be involved to even get the Dodgers interested.

This may be the trade where Boston decides it would be worth it to trade their coveted prospect Will Middlebrooks, who could be Major League ready very soon. We should have a better idea of what Cherington and the Red Sox are going to be doing in the next few weeks.