The Boston Red Sox have “long admired” Pittsburgh Pirates
right-hander Joel Hanrahan and have held trade negotiations for the closer,
according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
The Red Sox are said to be competing with the Dodgers for Hanrahan. The Pirates are looking for a starting pitcher, and the Sox would possibly give up Franklin Morales or Alfredo Aceves. The Pirates may be thinking more along the lines of Felix Doubront, which would be a deal-breaker, according to the major league source.
The Red Sox would rather acquire a closer via trade than
free agency, according to Cafardo, who adds the team doesn’t “appear to be
completely sold” on Andrew Bailey as its finisher.
Boston isn’t the only team interested in Hanrahan, as the
Los Angeles Dodgers are also reportedly targeting the right-hander. Pittsburgh
is seeking starting pitching in return and Los Angeles has a pair of veteran
arms to offer in Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang.
Follow @mlbinjurynews
