According to multiple reports channeled through MLBTradeRumors.com, the Boston Red Sox have joined the New York Yankees in trade discussions for Florida Marlin OF Cody Ross and RP Leo Nunez.
Both players represent affordable fixes for the Red Sox’ myriad bullpen and outfield woes. As is well known, beyond closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Daniel Bard, the piecemeal Red Sox bullpen has been horrible, and the outfield has been riddled with injury.
Keeping in mind that the Red Sox have breached the luxury tax threshold, cost may be as important to the team as is productivity. Ross earned a 2010 salary of $4.45 million through arbitration, and Nunez avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $2 million contract.
Ross has approximately $1.97 million remaining on his contract, and Nunez is still owed approximately $887,000. Paying a 22.5 percent tax on every dollar over $170 million, the Red Sox would have to shell out about $3.5 million to acquire both Marlins.
Acknowledging that financial factor, both Ross and Nunez could contribute significantly to the Red Sox as they try to stay within reach of the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the fiercely competitive American League East.
Ross is hitting .279 and slugging at a depressed .409 clip. Defensively, Ross has proved himself well above average at both corner outfield positions this year, according to UZR/150.
Enjoying a career year, Nunez is fanning more than a batter an inning and owns a 2.79 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.
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