Red Sox Reportedly Discussed Trading Star Outfielder To Yankees For Premier Hurler

The Boston Red Sox faced serious heat the the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline for their lack of activity.

As it turns out, Boston reportedly was quite close to making a notable acquisition, while trading a fan favorite to the New York Yankees in the process.

“The Red Sox discussed sending outfielder Alex Verdugo to the Yankees for starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt at the trade deadline,” Beyond The Monster’s Chris Henrique reported Thursday.

Verdugo was heavily rumored to be a trade candidate at the previous deadline due to his contract expiring after the 2024 season and the Red Sox not fully ready to commit to him long-term.

The 27-year-old is hitting .276 with 54 extra-base hits including 13 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .781 OPS in 128 games. He’s also a plus defender in a challenging right field.

In exchange, the Red Sox would have received a 27-year-old righty under team control through 2027. He’s posted a 4.54 ERA with a 139-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .264 batting average against and 140 2/3 innings this season.

The Red Sox desperately need pitching but Schmidt appears to be in the same class as Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock and Kutter Crawford. There wasn’t a strong need to add another middling hurler.