During the offseason the Boston Red Sox signed closer Koji Uehara to a two-year, $18 million deal. Despite successful campaigns over the past two seasons, the right-hander turned 40 today and will start the season on the disabled list. This may foreshadow the team trading for a reliever.
Uehara injured his hamstring during spring training and will not be ready for the beginning of the year. His absence likely won't be too long, but this has to have the Red Sox thinking further down the road considering they will need a consistent bullpen to stay in contention among the competitive American League.
"That's not to suggest that Uehara is finished. In all probability, Uehara will be a productive reliever for much of the year," writes Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com. "But it would hardly be a gigantic surprise if health - or, for that matter, performance -- became an issue for him this year. The list of successful 40-year-old closers is a decidedly short one.
"Given all of that, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Sox were forced into making a move for a closer outside the organization."
Joel Sherman of the New York Post was more specific regarding that speculation and proposed a potential trade on Thursday in his "36 predictions for a parity-filled 2015 MLB season." Under his "Don't be surprised if ... (American League edition)" section, Sherman wrote:
"Unable to get Craig Kimbrel from the Braves, the Red Sox trade Garin Cecchini and Henry Owens to the Royals for Wade Davis."
Trade rumors have surrounded Cecchini and Owens for parts of the offseason. Cecchini's situation is obvious because he's stuck behind Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt for the starting third base job. Hanley Ramirez can also play third if needed, which would allow the Red Sox to use one of their many outfielders in left. Cecchini got some reps last season when teams expanded to the 40-man roster and he's expected to hit the big leagues within the next season or two.
As for Owens, he was rumored to be included in package deals for Philadelphia Phillies starter Cole Hamels, but a deal was never made because the Red Sox refused to give up Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart. The left-hander finished 17-5 with a 2.94 ERA, 1.132 WHIP and 170 strikeouts in 26 starts (159 innings) between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket in 2014. He has struggled during spring training, but he still needs seasoning at the Triple-A level, so that was expected.
Cecchini and Owens are both ranked in the team's top 10 prospects, but Boston has little use for Cecchini right now and boast three other pitchers among the best in their farm system. Wade Davis would be a tremendous acquisition since he's proven his effectiveness as a reliever and could eventually slip into the closer role if need be.
However, his contract calls for an $8 million team option in 2016 and a $10 million team option in 2017. Would Boston want to spend $17 million on two relievers for the 2016 season?
We'll have to wait and see if this could become a reality. It's interesting to think about since Edward Mujica wasn't entirely reliable when filling in as the Red Sox' closer last season.
