The Angels and Red Sox could try to swap bad contracts this offseason, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Mike DiGiovanna.
DiGiovanna suggests that the Angels could offer outfielder Vernon Wells to the Red Sox for pitcher John Lackey. Wells is currently making $24.6 million, and will make the same amount per season through 2014. Lackey will making about $16 million over the next two years. Lackey’s contract also has a 2015 option at the major-league minimum salary.
The Red Sox could lose Cody Ross this offseason, though they have expressed interest in re-signing him. If Carl Crawford undergoes Tommy John surgery, the team might also look for another outfielder based on his recovery schedule.
The Angels could lose both Zack Greinke and Ervin Santana in free agency. Greinke is likely to test the market, and the team probably won’t pick up Santana’s $13 million option.
It’s unclear whether either team would be interested in this type of deal. Both players have failed to live up to their lofty contracts, and can’t be counted on to produce anymore. These types of deals are often suggested, but rarely come true.
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