Could the Boston Red Sox have interest in trading for DJ LeMahieu if Dustin Pedroia continues to have injury issues? One reporter thinks so.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi said on Monday that he thinks the Red Sox could be a good trade match for the Colorado Rockies second baseman depending on Pedroia’s status.
DJ LeMahieu to the #RedSox is a possible trade match if Dustin Pedroia’s knee issues persist, as I mentioned on @MLBNetwork today. LeMahieu, a free agent after this year, is a potent bat vs. LHP. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 18, 2018
One area where LeMahieu could help the Red Sox is with hitting left-handed pitchers, which he excels at.
Morosi just floated DJ LeMahieu as an idea for Red Sox at second base if Pedroia's knee keeps barking. Cited LeMahieu's success against LHP (.351/.415/.614). As a team, Sox have a .298 OBP vs. LHP (6th worst in MLB)
— Dan O'Mara (@Dan_OMara) June 18, 2018
LeMahieu is a two-time All-Star and led the league in hitting in 2016. He has a career .301 average, but he’s had the benefit of playing at Coors Field his entire career. He’s making $8.5 million this season and set to become a free agent after the year.
Pedroia did not make his season debut until late May because he was recovering from knee surgery. He only played three games before heading back to the DL with more knee problems. If it does not look like he will be able to contribute this season, the World Series-contending Sox might seek an upgrade at second over Eduardo Nunez, who is batting .247 with a .627 OPS.
