Red Sox rumors: Boston seeking left-handed-hitting 1B, OF

Boston Red Sox are exploring trades for left-handed-hitting first baseman and outfielders to pair with Mike Napoli at first base and Jonny Gomes in left field, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Cafardo didn’t name any specific trade targets, but the Red Sox have also been tied to several free agent first base options, including Casey Kotchman, Nick Johnson and Lyle Overbay. Beyond simply a left-handed option at the plate, Boston is also said to be seeking someone that offers solid defense at first base considering the questions surrounding Napoli’s glove.

Some thought that the Red Sox interest in alternative first basemen was as a fallback option to Napoli, but it appears the team is interested in adding players even if they reach an agreement with the free agent.

Gomes owns a career line of .284/.382/.512 against left-handed pitching compared to a .223/.307/.425 mark against right-handers. Napoli’s proven effective against both, but his career marks indicate he’s superior versus left-handers (.273/.381/.529) compared to right-handers (.253/.347/.498).