Update: The Pittsburgh Pirates traded first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
The Pirates will receive minor league shortstop Argenis Diaz and one other prospect in return for LaRoche, Foxsports.com reported.
The Red Sox appear to have interest in the Pirates Adam LaRoche, this according to ESPN the magazine's Buster Olney.
The 29-year-old LaRoche is hitting .247 with 12 homers and 40 RBI's, and he's making $7.05 million. The salary is the most relevant part of that whole note, because theoretically the Red Sox could probably get LaRoche for considerably less than some of the other first baseman out there if they agree to take on the contract. If the Red Sox were willing to take on the contract the Pirates would probably move LaRoche without hesitation.
Additionally, LaRoche is the perfect complement to the Red Sox offense. He fits their patience first mentality with his 4.01 pitches per plate appearance. LaRoche could also give the Red Sox insurance against another potential Mike Lowell injury. If Lowell was to get hurt the Red Sox could move Youkilis to third and have LaRoche play first. Also LaRoche could help give Youkilis some rest down the stretch.
LaRoche has spent his whole career in the National league with both the Braves and the Pirates. Making the transition to the American League certainly would be an adjustment because he'd have to face several new pitchers, but considering he's a left-handed hitter with some pop he should have some success in Fenway Park.
If the Red Sox don't get LaRoche they'll probably still look to acquire another bat somewhere along the way. Some other names to keep in mind are the Nationals Nick Johnson and the Indians Victor Martinez.