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Boston Red Sox outfielder and impending free agent Cody Ross is already drawing interest the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees, but the Red Sox will still have first go at retaining their right fielder, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:
Ross has made it clear he’d negotiate with the Red Sox right now and would stay in Boston if he had his druthers.
The Sox are starting preliminary talks, but if something isn’t worked out before free agency begins, the Yankees and Phillies — at least — will be eager to talk to him.
Acquired by the Red Sox on a one-year, $3 million deal in January, Ross has been one of Boston's most reliable players in an injury-torn outfield. The 31-year-old has played one hundred twenty-two games on the season, primarily in right field, and is hitting .269/.332/.489 with twenty-one home runs.
Coming off a successful season like he is, Ross will likely command a deal similar to Josh Willingham's three-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.