The August 3 Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the flood of blockbuster deals has yet to arrive.
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to move several veterans before Monday's deadline, including DH/outfielder George Springer, who is in the final season of his six-year, $150 million contract.
Springer is still owed roughly $7 million for the remainder of the season. However, he also owns a full no-trade clause, allowing him to block any deal. That could complicate negotiations, but one destination reportedly stands out.
According to Julian McWilliams of CBS Sports, Springer would be interested in a trade to the Boston Red Sox.
Boston is looking to recover after its trade for infielder Curtis Mead quickly went sideways. Mead suffered a fractured wrist after being hit by a pitch in just his second at-bat with the team. He is not expected to return until at least September, if at all this season.
McWilliams added that the Red Sox have interest in Springer "under the right circumstances."
At 36, Springer is primarily a designated hitter, limiting his appeal to many clubs. The Red Sox already have Masataka Yoshida filling that role for much of the season.
Still, Boston could rotate both players based on matchups. Given the way Springer has been swinging the bat lately, though, he has made a strong case to be in the lineup every day. After a slow start, Springer is hitting .275 with six home runs, 18 RBIs and an .805 OPS over his last 30 games.
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Springer has also built a reputation as one of baseball's better postseason performers. Across his playoff career, he owns a .271 batting average with 23 home runs, 48 RBIs and an .880 OPS.
The Red Sox are widely expected to remain aggressive before Monday's deadline after already acquiring Mead. Boston has completely turned its season around, going 25-5 over its last 30 games to improve to 57-51 and take a two-game lead for the second American League Wild Card spot.
