Red Sox trade rumors: Dave Dombrowski trying to move Hanley Ramirez

New Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski appears open to the idea of moving Hanley Ramirez this winter, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Why this rumor makes sense

The Red Sox have been linked to several front of the rotation starters, and moving Ramirez might give them the financial flexibility necessary to sign one of the premier free agent starting pitchers available.

Cafardo also points out the Red Sox have expressed some interest in Chris Davis, but signing Davis might only be realistic if Ramirez is moved.

At this point, the Red Sox might not receive a lot in return for Ramirez, but getting him off the payroll could prove to be beneficial.

Although Ramirez could be a bounce back candidate in 2016, ha batted .249/.291/.426 to complement 19 home runs and 53 RBIs over 105 games with the Red Sox last season. Getting anything in return might be ideal for Boston.

Why this rumor does not make sense

Even if Dombrowski and the Red Sox have a clear desire to move Ramirez, doing so might not be realistic. The Mariners, Orioles and Angels have all reportedly expressed interest in Ramirez, but he still could be too expensive for any of those clubs.

Ramirez is due $66 million through 2018 and his current contract includes an option for 2019. Any interested club would likely use Ramirez as a designated hitter, and opposing general managers might not want to spend that much on a DH.

Boston has said Ramirez will play at first base in 2016 after he struggled transitioning from the infield to left field last season. Ramirez could thrive offensively next season, but the Red Sox might be taking a risk by keeping him. There are other ways the team can improve.

Likeliness overall: 4/10

Dombrowski wants to move Ramirez, and there is a chance he does just that. But there has to be another team involved, and acquiring Ramirez with hopes of him bouncing back might not be something opposing GMs are willing to do.