Rumor: Red Sox willing to pay to move Youkilis

The Arizona Diamondbacks have shown interest in Red Sox
third baseman Kevin Youkilis, but the former All-Star’s
numbers (.215 batting average, four home runs, 13 RBI),
injury history (played in just 39 games so far this year)
and contract (more than $7 million left this year, $13
million team option for next season) have likely scared
them away a bit.

However, while the Red Sox can’t do anything about the
stats or injury history, they can help with the money, and
it appears they’re willing to do just that if it means
consummating a deal.

According to Fox Sports MLB
Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox are willing to
include cash in the deal if it means getting a better
player in return.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles
Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates are
among the teams with varying levels of interest in
acquiring Youkilis, sources say.

The Diamondbacks certainly have enough prospects to make a
deal work, but may be reluctant to part with someone like
Tyler Skaggs, Patrick Corbin, Matt Davidson or David
Holmberg for someone who may be a half-season rental and,
if his stats hold true, a poor one at that.

Then again, if the Diamondbacks continue to have issues at
third base — both with the bat and the glove — they may
decide to pull the trigger on a deal that would, in
theory, shore up the position.

Besides, Youkilis boasts a career .286 average and is
regarded as one of the game’s better hitters, and it’s
possible a change of scenery is just what the doctor
ordered for the 33-year-old.

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