MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies Interested in Red Sox Mike Aviles

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for versatile infielders, as several of their aging veterans are injured.  Mike Aviles qualifies as such, and while he currently projects as the Red Sox starting shortstop, Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe reported this morning that he could become available this spring if Boston decides to go with Jose Iglesias.  This led Carfado to speculate that the Phillies would be a player for Aviles if the Red Sox do view him as expendable.

Iglesias has been impressive this spring and, while he may not have much to offer with the bat, his glove is clearly major league-ready.  For this reason some around the Red Sox believe Iglesias could break camp as the club’s starting shortstop.

This would give the Red Sox three capable middle infielders in Iglesias, Aviles and Nick Punto.  With Punto lining up to become Boston’s reserve infielder, Aviles would become expendable if Iglesias claims a starting role.  Carfado believes the Phillies would be interested in Aviles if he does became available.

With Chase Utley’s lingering knee issues, Placido Polanco’s generally fragile state of being, and the fact that Jimmy Rollins turned 33 in November; the Phillies are in the market for a capable veteran who can play all over the infield.

Aviles manned second base (27 games), shortstop (14), and the hot corner (46) for the Red Sox and Royals last season.  The 31-year-old also has a career OPS of .737, showing he’s not totally incapable at the dish.

For more on the Red Sox and Phillies, check out BoSox Injection and That Balls Outta Here.

You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.