These Red Sox Stars Could Soon Be On The Move

One way or another, the Red Sox are going to be missing some key pieces next year. In an effort to get under the luxury tax threshold and avoid millions of dollars in penalties, the team is trying to shed payroll — even if that means talent.

While the trade winds have been swirling around Mookie Betts for some time now, two more names have popped up this week. Recent reports suggest the Sox are actively trying to move center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr while teams are pursuing lefthanded pitcher David Price.

The Boston Globe reported the Red Sox are "aggressively seeking a trade partner for Bradley," a Gold Glove outfielder with a streaky bat. The 2018 ALCS MVP is scheduled to make $11 million this season.

ESPN reported the Sox "continue to pursue ways to shed salary, and multiple teams have targeted starter David Price." Price is owed $96 million over the next three years, but the Red Sox may have to attach a player or eat some of his salary to move him.

Price quickly became one of Boston's least popular athletes after signing a record deal in Boston, but he came up clutch in the team's 2018 World Series championship run.

The Globe also reported former All-Star utility man Brock Holt, former Cy Young winner Rick Porcello and first baseman Mitch Moreland are likely to be too pricey for the Sox to bring back.

If the Sox can get under the tax, the odds of them keeping Betts would likely increase. Reports are the team may not be able to re-sign Betts when his contract is up at the end of next year, and trading him now while you can get something for him would soften the blow of losing the former American League MVP.

The trade talk is hot right now because baseball team executives are at MLB's Winter Meetings in San Diego.