If you're Ryan Lavarnway or Jarrod Saltalamacchia, you have to think that you probably won't be playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
The offseason for the Red Sox got a little stranger on Monday when reports have surfaced that the team and free agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli have agreed to terms on a three-year deal. Reportedly, the deal is worth $39 million over three seasons.
The signing will give the Red Sox four MLB ready catchers in Lavarnway, Napoli, Saltalamacchia and the recently signed David Ross.
Lavarnway still has an option and could be sent back to Pawtucket to start the season. But with Napoli likely to play first base most of the time, it's possible Lavarnway could make the team.
It's all going to depend on whether or not the Red Sox move him or Saltalamacchia.
Given their contract situations, I think the Red Sox will probably move Salty since he's a free agent after this season while the Red Sox can still control Lavarnway until 2019.
Napoli has been a Red Sox killer in his career. Against Red Sox pitching, he's hitting .288 with 15 home runs and 33 RBIs in 38 games.. In 19 games at Fenway Park, Napoli is hitting .306 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs.
Winter Meetings have just started in Nashville,TN so we can definitely expect things to heat up. With all of the GM's there, I'd highly expect the trade rumors for Lavarnway and/or Salty to heat up over the next few days.
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photo credit: getty images
