2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Still Showing Interest in White Sox Floyd

Yesterday we discovered that the Chicago White Sox are continuing to field offers for starting pitcher Gavin Floyd.  Several teams have targeted Floyd this offseason, but this afternoon Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reported that the Boston Red Sox are “still showing interest” in the right-hander.

While Floyd’s career numbers are not jaw-dropping, he figured to draw attention this winter because of his durability and affordable price.  Over his past four seasons in Chicago, Floyd has averaged roughly 195 innings pitched per year while maintaining an ERA around 4.00.  Floyd is also under team control for the next two seasons and is set to receive $7 million in 2011.

It’s true that $7 million is an affordable rate for a pitcher with Floyd’s track record, but this amount may still put the 28-year-old out of the Red Sox price range.  Instead of investing a lump sum into one free agent this offseason, Boston has targeted several low-cost arms.  In doing so, the Red Sox hope that one of these players will emerge as the Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia of 2012.

Still, with the Yankees solidifying their rotation this past weekend, the Red Sox may be feeling pressured to reciprocate the splash.  Beyond Floyd, the Red Sox have been tied to veteran free agent Roy Oswalt this winter.

For more on the Red Sox and White Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Southside Showdown.