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3 players who could be part of Red Sox trade ahead of deadline – Metro US
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3 players who could be part of Red Sox trade ahead of deadline

3 players who could be part of Red Sox trade ahead of deadline
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With the Red Sox pretty much eliminated from any sort of playoff contention, the team will likely be active at this week’s non-waiver trade deadline, even after dealing Shane Victorino on Monday.

The team doesn’t have as many big names to sell as last season when they dealt away Jon Lester, Jonny Gomes, Jake Peavy and Andrew Miller, but they still have a few players they will likely part ways with.

On the other side of things, the team could also be looking at getting a head start on 2016 by trading for a player under team control long-term, specifically a starting pitcher.

Here’s a look at three players the Red Sox could be parting ways with, or adding by the end of the week:

1. Mike Napoli, Red Sox first baseman
It appears Napoli’s days in a Red Sox uniform are numbered. The first baseman is in the final year of his contract and having underperformed this year, it seems very unlikely he would be re-signed. With him hitting of late, a team could be willing to take a chance on him given his history and playoff experience. Before being ejected from Monday’s game, Napoli had reached base in nine straight games, while hitting .367 in those contests. The Pirates have been one of the teams to express interest in the first baseman.

2. Koji Uehara, Red Sox reliever
While it may seem unlikely, there is a chance the Red Sox’ closer could be dealt even as he approaches age 40. The right-hander has clearly shown he can perform on the biggest of stages and it would appear the Red Sox will be getting calls on him from teams seeking help in the bullpen. The Red Sox’ asking price on Uehara could be in line with what they got back for Andrew Miller – left-handed prospect Eduardo Rodriguez, who was in Double-A at the time.

3. Carlos Carrasco, Indians starting pitcher
The Red Sox have reportedly been eying starters who are under team-control and Carrasco fits that criteria. The right-hander is 10-8 with a 4.26 ERA with the Indians this season. Last year he was 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA, as the 28-year-old has showed signs of being dominant. He is signed through 2018 with team options for 2019 and 2020, which is exactly what the Red Sox want. The Indians certainly won’t be willing to give up Carrasco for nothing, as he’s one of their better starters, but the Red Sox do have the prospects in their organization to get a deal done. It would not be out of the question to see the Red Sox give up one of their left-handed pitching prospects, as the probability of all three being in the starting rotation next year doesn’t seem to be very high.