Red Sox Outfielder Reportedly 'Most Logical Trade Candidate' After Rollercoaster Season

Boston could end up losing one of its fan-favorites this offseason

The Boston Red Sox may end up dealing away a fan favorite this offseason.

Boston has won just 78 games in the last two seasons, so this offseason is crucial. The Red Sox will have some tough decisions to make after they find their new head of baseball operations and one of the first ones that need to be addressed is the future of outfielder Alex Verdugo.

The young outfielder was the centerpiece of Boston's trade of outfielder Mookie Betts and at times has looked like an All-Star but has been inconsistent. Plus, there have been other issues in the clubhouse, and at this point, the club could end up moving him. Rumors have swirled about the possibility of a trade and one could happen this offseason. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter even ranked Verdugo as baseball's 18th-best trade chip.

"The 27-year-old has been a staple in the Red Sox lineup the past four seasons, hitting .281/.338/.424 for a 105 OPS+ while averaging 41 doubles, 14 home runs, 68 RBI, and 2.6 WAR per 162 games, but he has never quite developed into the star he was expected to become," Reuter said. "With Jarren Duran breaking out and Ceddanne Rafaela ready for an extended look in the big leagues, the Red Sox suddenly have a crowded outfield.

"Verdugo is the most logical trade candidate, and he could be the centerpiece in a deal to help upgrade the starting rotation."

This isn't too surprising. Verdugo has found his name in trade rumors seemingly all season and with Duran, Rafaela, Masataka Yoshida, and Wilyer Abreu under contract the outfield could be crowded. Plus, there's always the possibility that Boston brings Adam Duvall back into the fold. 

Verdugo could be a very interesting trade piece to help improve the rotation. The starting rotation is the Red Sox's biggest hole on the roster and the club already has been linked to a few stars. If the Red Sox aren't able to land expensive free agents, moving Verdugo for a starter could make even more sense.

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Fan-Favorite Elects Free Agency After Rollercoaster Stint In NL East