Red Sox trade rumors: 'Very good chance' John Lackey is traded along with Jon Lester

There is a "very good chance" the Red Sox trade starter John Lackey along with ace Jon Lester, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Boston could look to move the two starters in separate deals, or could try to package them together like the Cubs did with Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in order to receive a better prospect haul in return.

Lackey has drawn interest from the Indians, Royals, Dodgers and Marlins in recent days, and Boston is reportedly looking for a strong return for the right-hander. The 35-year old is under team control for only $500K next season as a result of an insurance policy that was put into place when Lackey missed an entire season with an elbow injury, so he is the most cost-effective starting pitcher available on the trade market and will likely see his value rise as a result of it.

In 21 starts for the Red Sox this season, Lackey has posted an 11-7 record and 3.60 ERA in 137.1 innings of work. With the Red Sox deciding to sell key veteran pieces with just over 24 hours to go before the trade deadline, Lackey is expected to be dealt to a contender in the near future.