Red Sox Moves May Stir Mariners Trade Rumors Talk

With the Red Sox reportedly making the biggest free agent splash of the winter thus far, nabbing both Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, what might that mean for the Mariners?

Well, it could mean absolutely nothing other than they will not be adding Panda or Ramirez….but, it might also mean Hisashi Iwakuma could be on the way to Beantown.

Ramirez, most likely, will make the move to the outfield in Boston as youngster Xander Bogaerts should slot in a short stop.

If Ramirez does make the move to the outfield, the Red Sox will have an abundance of skilled outfielders, Yoenis Cespedes, Daniel Nava, Jackie Bradley Jr., Shane Victorino, Rusney Castillo and now Hanley Ramirez. Moving some of that talent is all but a certainty for the Sox.

That being said, the Red Sox likely are not done this winter as they will need some pitching. Jon Lester is still on the market and the Red Sox are considered one of the many suitors in play for his talents.

Regardless of Lester coming back to Boston or not, they will still be looking for another quality starter to go with Clay Buchholz.

Enter, Hisashi Iwakuma.

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We know the Mariners are looking for a corner outfielder that can hit. The Red Sox have a great fit, Yoenis Cespedes.

With the Sox looking for quality pitching and the M’s looking for a power bat, preferably at a corner outfield spot, this move feels right for Seattle.

Cespedes is signed through the 2015 season, so there would be contract discussions forthcoming for him. The Mariners could potentially offer him an extension worth some money, they will pay for the man they want.

I’m sure we probably don’t have to talk stats about Cespedes too much, I’m sure you’re all well aware…but I will anyway.

In his young career, Cespedes has never hit less than 22 home runs and has never driven in less than 80. His 162-game averages are pretty impressive: .263 avg, 32 2B, 28HR, 102RBI, .780 OPS. Oh, and he also had 16 outfield assists in 2014.

Is this the reason the Mariners have been quite so far this winter? Should they have had an inkling that the Sox were going to grab Sandoval and Ramirez, Cespedes may be the man they are targeting.

Cespedes trade rumors were rumbling prior to this but they may become more intense very quickly. Hopefully he will be on his way to Seattle.