Kyle Schwarber is going to be a hot topic of conversation over the next four days as the baseball Winter Meetings start today. But, Schwarber has already been linked to Theo Epstein’s former team, the Boston Red Sox, who are desperately searching for power in their lineup.
The #RedSox are interested in #Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber https://t.co/DQf9WAAk4p pic.twitter.com/iVWm2kieDp
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 10, 2017
As Scott Lauber from ESPN reports, the Red Sox are looking to add more power in their lineup and have recognized that Schwarber could help solve the issue. Lauber says that the odds of Theo Epstein moving his 24-year-old left fielder right now are slim, but that won’t stop the Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski from discussing the idea with Epstein.
The Red Sox are also in need of a 1st baseman this offseason, and while they have been linked to former Royals 1st baseman Eric Hosmer, Schwarber could also help at 1B. I reported a few weeks ago that the Rockies were ‘kicking the tires’ on adding Schwarber and trying him at 1st.
Lauber didn’t list any specifics on who the Cubs would likely get back in a return, but a source close to Sports Mockery said that with Boston’s lack of pitching they would likely ask for an outfielder in return. Saying, “The first word out of Theo or Jed’s mouths would be Betts.”
Now, the Red Sox are not going to move Mookie Betts and likely won’t move Andrew Beninitendi for Schwarber. However, the Red Sox have reportedly floated Jackie Bradley Jr in some talks earlier this offseason, maybe the Cubs would have interest in Bradley Jr. plus a young arm like Travis Larkin or Tanner Houck. The Cubs might also have an interest in 24-year-old starter Eduardo Rodriguez, but I just don’t see the Red Sox parting with Rodriguez and someone like Benintendi or Bradley Jr.
Right now, it doesn’t look like any serious talks have progressed quite yet, but we’re just barely into day one at the Winter Meetings. But one thing I am sure about right now is that this won’t be the last time we hear Schwarber’s name come up in trade talks this week.
