The MLB has been relatively quiet this month in terms of trades, but that doesn't mean a few teams won't shake it up closer to the final post-season push. There are still a good amount of big names out there and it wouldn't be a shock to see a couple of them change teams. Philadelphia Phillies second basemen Chase Utley has been tossed around in a handful of trade scenarios. But what about Boston Red Sox third basemen Pablo Sandoval?
Despite signing Sandoval to a five-year deal worth $95 million, ESPN MLB Insider Jim Bowden thinks the Red Sox could trade Sandoval to the San Diego Padres in exchange for starting pitcher James Shields.
"The Red Sox have to remake their starting rotation, and although Shields is no longer a top-of-the-rotation starter, he is a solid No. 2 or 3 who would serve as a definite upgrade for the Red Sox," Bowden wrote.
"Meanwhile, the Red Sox really don't have a good place to play Hanley Ramirez. The experiment in left field hasn't work out well, David Ortiz is locked in at DH, and Ramirez isn't a good fit at first base. Third base is probably the best spot for him, which makes Sandoval expendable. The Padres' lineup could use a switch hitter, and if they are able to get Sandoval to lose some weight for next season, he could have a bounce-back year defensively and be at least an average third baseman."
Following this season, Sandoval is due $72.4 million through 2019, with a $17 million tem option or $5 million buyout for 2020. Shields is due $63 million through 2018, with a team option or $2 million buyout for '19. The Padres, in this hypothetical trade, could ask Boston for upwards of $5 million to help out while Shields' deal would shed some long-term payroll off the books.
Theoretically, it's a win-win. Will it actually happen, though? It's anyone's guess.
