Kevin Youkilis Rumors: Red Sox Need to Trade Youk

The Boston Red Sox probably need to trade infielder Kevin Youkilis, believes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, and he says the club has clearly at least been investigating that possibility. Youkilis has been tied to the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks this season.

While Heyman believes Youkilis should be traded, he notes that completing a trade will not be easy based on what scouts are saying about the 33-year-old.

Danny Knobler reported yesterday that a scout told him for what Youkilis costs, "He can’t do anything." Another scout referred to Youkilis as "terrible," and a GM, in discussing a potential trade market for the Red Sox infielder, said flatly, "Good luck with that."

Youkilis is in the midst of a 0-14 slump, dragging his season line down to .219/.303/.352. On top of that, Youkilis is making $12 million this year and his contract includes a $13 million option for 2013 with a $1 million buyout.

Due to his lack of productivity and the amount of money owed to him, Youkilis will only fetch a mid-level prospect in return if the Red Sox eat most of his salary, believes Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.