
The Red Sox are looking to acquire a third baseman and have interest in Mets infielders Wilmer Flores, Asdrubal Cabrera and T.J. Rivera, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
The Sox have also recently been linked in rumor to Martin Prado (Marlins), Jed Lowrie (A's), Yangervis Solarte (Padres), and Josh Harrison (Pirates).
Matthew Cerrone: I can't see Alderson trading Rivera, who isn't a great fit for Boston's short- and long-term goals at third. Alderson's front office seems to really appreciate Rivera, who they're finally giving a chance to play so they can better understand how he fits in to their plan going forward. TJ can hit, he's a local kid, he plays multiple positions, and he's earning the league minimum. Don't trade him, Sandy...
In regards to Cabrera, the buzz in baseball has Boston eventually getting Frazier from the White Sox in return for a 'fringe prospect.'
June, 2017: Asdrubal Cabrera rounds third after a home run at Citi Field. Credit: Hunger-USA Today Sports
If that can't be worked out for some reason, Cabrera may be their next best option (in terms of his contract, production and cost to get him). The Sox have a big third base prospect in the minors that is ready to be promoted. But, in Frazier or Cabrera, they must be looking for a veteran rental player to take the lead or act as insurance for just the balance of this season. This is smart. Unfortunately, Cabrera hasn't played third base in more than a decade, so that can't be ideal for them. Of course, he has an affordable option and can also back up their middle infield, if needed.
Cabrera, 31, is due roughly $4 million the rest of this season, after which he has a 2018 team option (or $2 million buyout) that will pay him $8.5 million. Rivera, on the other hand, will earn the league minimum through 2019, after which he is arbitration eligible the next three seasons.
Cabrera, who has just four hits in his last nine games, is batting .250 with a .333 OBP, nine home runs and 29 RBI in 66 games this season, while playing shortstop and second base.
In 64 games, Rivera, 28, is batting .303 with an .808 OPS and 18 extra base hits, while playing left field, first, second and third base. He's batting .425 since the end of June.
The 25-year-old Flores has been relegated to bench duty with Rivera getting the bulk of the starts at third base. Flores is hitting .278 with a .308 OBP and .443 SLG with seven HR in 212 at-bats this season.
Flores, who is making $2.2 million this offseason, is eligble for arbitration again in 2018 and 2019, after which he is eligible to become a free agent.