Red Sox Rumors: Boston Could Pursue Josh Beckett Trade

Though Boston Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett can block potential deals with his 10-5 rights, it wouldn’t shock baseball people if the club pursues trades involving the veteran, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

His 10-5 rights could mean he never agrees to a deal, but it wouldn’t shock baseball people if the Sox eventually pursue it. "He would get some interest if some of the money was absorbed," said one National League GM. "He’s not what he was, but he can still pitch. He’s got the postseason resume and still seems to have some competitiveness on the mound, which are all things you look for. The things you have to evaluate would be the issues in the clubhouse, to some extent, and breaking down a little more than he used to."

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported last week that the Red Sox were not pondering a trade of Beckett. Rosenthal added that Boston views the 32-year-old as part of the solution when it comes to pitching.

Pitching is something the Red Sox have been tied to for most of the season, and it may seem counterintuitive to deal one of the club’s top performers. However, there have been reports of Beckett’s less-than-stellar presence in the clubhouse and Red Sox fans have let him hear their displeasure on more than one occasion this season.

Beckett has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.43 and 1.198 on the season with 6.5 SO/9 and 2.2 BB/9. He owns a career marks of 3.87 and 1.219, is making $15.75 million this season and will make the same amount in 2013-14.

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Should the Red Sox trade Beckett?

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