INDIANAPOLIS — The Boston Red Sox are discussing a trade that would send 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers.
The 35-year-old was an All-Star four times from 2002-07, hitting .324 with 21 homers and 120 RBI in 2007. But he slumped to 73 RBI in 2008 and 75 RBI this year, hitting 17 homers each season. He was slowed by surgery in October 2008 to repair a torn labrum in his right hip and a remove bone spur on a thigh bone.
He is owed $12 million in 2010, the final season of a $37.5 million, three-year contract. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the team still are discussing the trade, which also would be subject to physicals. Boston would have to give Texas money to offset a portion of Lowell’s salary.
“Some of the reports of how close it is might be a little bit overstated,” Daniels said Thursday. “Both clubs are evaluating. I think the general parameters are understood and both clubs need to decide whether it’s the right fit.”
Texas has been one of the busier teams at the winter meetings. The Rangers traded pitcher Kevin Millwood and $3 million to Baltimore for reliever Chris Ray on Wednesday night and acquired left-hander Ben Snyder from the Orioles on Thursday to complete the swap.
The Rangers replaced Millwood’s spot in the rotation, reaching a preliminary agreement with Rich Harden on a one-year contract that guarantees him $7.5 million, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet final.
By trading Lowell, the Red Sox would clear a spot at third base, freeing them to work out a deal with free agent Adrian Beltre, who was replaced in Seattle by Chone Figgins.
Money appears to be an issue in a Lowell trade.
“Both clubs know what’s on the table and we’ll continue to talk here and work through it,” Daniels said.
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