The Pirates have interest in Red Sox' veterans Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino, according to a report from Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Boston is expected to try to trade both before Friday's trade deadline.
Pittsburgh is known to be looking to upgrade its first base situation and is reportedly interested in trading Pedro Alvarez, meaning a deal involving Napoli may make sense. The 33-year old has struggled to a .205/.301/.372 line in 87 games with the Red Sox so far this season, but has hit eleven home runs and has been strong defensively. He is a free agent after the season, so the Pirates may not have to send much back to the Sox in terms of prospects.
Victorino, 34, has struggled with injuries over the last two years but has hit .245/.324/.298 with one homer in 33 games with Boston so far this season. The soon-to-be free agent would provide an alternative to Gregory Polanco in right field for Pittsburgh, potentially adding to an outfield mix that already includes Starling Marte, Travis Ishikawa, Jaff Decker, Andrew McCutchen and Sean Rodriguez.
The Red Sox will likely be very interested in selling off their veterans over the next few days, so it is a good sign for them that Napoli and Victorino are drawing interest.