Red Sox rumors: Boston interested in Pirates RHP Joel Hanrahan

After adding to their offense, defense and starting pitching, the Boston Red Sox are now set on improving their bullpen, and they are expressing interest in Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed closer Joel Hanrahan, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

The Red Sox are said to be competing with the Dodgers for Hanrahan. The Pirates are looking for a starting pitcher, and the Sox would possibly give up Franklin Morales or Alfredo Aceves. The Pirates may be thinking more along the lines of Felix Doubront, which would be a deal-breaker, according to the major league source.

Cafardo notes that the Red Sox have "long admired" Hanrahan, adding the club attempted to acquire him from the Pirates in 2010.

In exchange for Hanrahan, the Pirates reportedly seek a starting pitcher. While the Red Sox would possibly be willing to surrender Franklin Morales or Alfredo Aceves for Hanrahan, Pittsburgh may instead be eyeing Felix Doubront, according to Cafardo.

The Pirates acquired Hanrahan during the 2009 season along with Lastings Milledge from the Washington Nationals for Sean Burnett and Nyjer Morgan. Over three-plus seasons in Pittsburgh he’s maintained an ERA of 2.59 with 10.4 strikeouts and 3.8 walks per nine innings. Last season the 31-year-old posted an ERA of 2.72 with 36 saves.