Kevin Youkilis Rumors: Red Sox Slugger has no Trade Value

Rival executives see no reason for the Boston Red Sox to trade infielder Kevin Youkilis now because he has no trade value, reports Buster Olney of ESPN. While this is currently the case, Olney adds a Red Sox roster crunch might eventually force them to trade Youkilis. So far this season Youkilis has been tied to the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rival executives see no reason for BOS to move Youkilis now because he has no trade value; roster crunch might eventually force a deal.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 15, 2012

Youkilis is in the midst of a 0-14 slump which has lowered his season line to .219/.303/.352. This, combined with the roughly $8 million Youkilis is owed this year and the $1 million buyout for 2013 included in his contract, is why the 33-year-old’s trade value is considered to be so low at this point.

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post speculated yesterday that even if the Red Sox pay most of Youkilis’ remaining salary, the best they will be able to get for him is a mid-level prospect.

If this is the case, it may make sense for the Red Sox to hang onto their veteran infielder. The problem with this option becomes playing time, or lack thereof, for Youkilis.

With a roster already including first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Will Middlebrooks and designated hitter David Ortiz and the pending returns of outfielders Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury, there isn’t a clear way for Boston to keep Youkilis’ bat in their regular lineup.