As reported originally by Jack Magruder of Fox Sports Arizona and relayed by MLB Trade Rumors, the Diamondbacks, who have been linked to a possible trade involving the Red Sox’ Kevin Youkilis, are unlikely to make a move.
The Diamondbacks may not have the money to pay Youkilis who is due to earn $12 million this year and $13 million next year. First base has been a revolving door for the Diamondbacks as of late, but Paul Goldschmidt is heating up and may have earned himself a permanent spot at first. Goldschmidt is hitting .450 during his last seven games with three home runs and four doubles.
News broke earlier this year that the Red Sox would be shopping Youkilis. Numerous teams have shown interest
including the Dodgers, Phillies, and the Diamondbacks. Now, it seems the Diamondbacks may be out of the running.
Youkilis is hitting .236/.315/.382 so far this season. It has been a down year for the three-time All-Star as he has posted his lowest OPS+ since 2005. Earlier this season, Bobby Valentine called Youkilis out and caused a stir in the Red Sox clubhouse. Valentine said, “I don’t think he’s as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason”
The comments started a firestorm in Boston and only fueled the on-going drama the team has surrounded itself with since late last year.
If Youkilis does not go to the Diamondbacks, both the Phillies and the Dodgers could use some help at first base. Despite their success this season, the Dodgers do not seem sold on James Loney ever becoming the player they think he should be. In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard‘s injury has made additional options at first base a necessity.
According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Red Sox are intent on trading Youkilis. It’s not a matter of if, but when. His ability to draw walks makes him an enviable option for many teams, but the Red Sox asking price may be steep. It seems the Red Sox will ask for a top prospect in return for a Youkilis trade. Coupled with his high salary, many teams may shy away from such a deal.