Ex-Diamondbacks All-Star Reportedly 'Coveted' By Red Sox After Shocking Trade

It sounds like the Red Sox may be interested in the former Diamondbacks All-Star

The Boston Red Sox shocked the baseball world Tuesday night.

There has been speculation about the possibility of the Red Sox trading outfielder Alex Verdugo this offseason. Tuesday night they did just that and surprisingly traded him within the American League East division to the rival New York Yankees.

New York had shown interest in Verdugo in the past, but an actual trade certainly was surprising. It's unclear exactly what the Red Sox will do from here, but they did pick up a few intriguing pitching prospects.

Boston has a surplus of outfielders so it doesn't necessarily need to bring another one in this offseason, but it sounds like it may be interested in doing so. The Red Sox reportedly are interested in former Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"Verdugo was the primary piece in the Red Sox’s ill-fated trade that sent Mookie Betts to the (Los Angeles Dodgers) three years ago," Nightengale said. "Verdugo never became the star the Red Sox envisioned, hitting .281 with 43 homers and 206 RBI in 493 games with Boston.

"The trade of Verdugo, who was projected to earn $9 million, perhaps clears salary room for free-agent outfielder Lourdes Gurriel, who is coveted by the Red Sox."

Gurriel is an interesting player to look out for. He had arguably the best season of his career in 2023 and earned his first All-Star nod with Arizona. Gurriel clubbed 24 home runs, drove in 82 runs, and slashed .261/.309/.463. 

It's too early to tell if a move is a possibility, but it's certainly interesting that Nightengale already is floating him as an option for Boston.

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