BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 19: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a single during the fourth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 19, 2020 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly in discussions to trade Christian Vazquez to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Boston Red Sox need new blood. The Tampa Bay Rays need a catcher. The two might be trade partners as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
The Athletic called attention to discussions between the teams on Friday.
“The last-place Red Sox are another rare team that could be ripe for buyers,” wrote Eno Sarris and Brittany Ghiroli. “The Rays have interest in Red Sox catcher Christian Vázquez, with early discussions centering around Tampa’s pitching prospects.”
Christian Vazquez is a valuable trade asset for the Red Sox.
Boston has been home for Vazquez since his pro career began. He even told reporters on Tuesday that his goal is to retire with the Red Sox.
It’s a business though, and the Red Sox have holes to plug elsewhere in the lineup. After all, they’re dead last in the AL East and they’ve given up more runs than anyone in the big leagues this season.
With that in mind, it makes sense for Boston to be enticed by Tampa Bay’s offering of pitching prospects.
On the other side of things, Vazquez is exactly what the Rays, who lead the NL East, could use.
The Rays have been active on the trade block. They swapped right-handed pitcher Riley O’Brien for Reds lefty Cod Reed. On Thursday they offered up an infield prospect for Royals’ outfielder Brett Phillips.
However, neither of those trades addressed the problem they have at catcher. Starter Mike Zunino is batting .133 this season. He also picked up an injury which caused him to be scratched for Friday’s game against the Marlins.
Vazquez would be a clear upgrade in any case. The 30-year-old is batting .262 this year with four home runs and 12 RBI. Last year he exploded with 23 home runs and 72 RBI.
There is limited time for the two teams to make a trade happen. The trade window closes on Monday.