UPDATED*AUG 24, 2012 3:25 PM ET* * *
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The Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing their aggressive pursuit of expensive stars, were awarded a waiver claim on Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on Friday, according to a major league source.
The teams now have 48 hours to work out a trade, but that is not the Red Sox's only option.
Gonzalez has six years and $127 million remaining on his contract starting in 2013. The Sox can simply dump Gonzalez's contract on the Dodgers and clear his money. They also can withdraw Gonzalez from waivers, ending any chance that he will be traded this season.
The biggest question is the Red Sox's willingness to trade Gonzalez. A major league source said last week that the Red Sox would consider moving him only in a "transformative" — or franchise-changing — type of trade.
Teams generally prefer to move stars in the offseason, when they can involve more teams in discussions. But the Dodgers likely would be Gonzalez's most fervent suitor in the offseason as well, and the Red Sox may simply prefer to take advantage of their eagerness now.
Earlier this month, the Dodgers were awarded the claim to another high-priced player, Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee. The two sides, however, could not agree on a trade.
Gonzalez is hitting .300 with 15 homers and 86 RBI in 123 games with Boston.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing their aggressive pursuit of expensive stars, were awarded a waiver claim on Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on Friday, according to a major league source.
The teams now have 48 hours to work out a trade, but that is not the Red Sox's only option.
Gonzalez has six years and $127 million remaining on his contract starting in 2013. The Sox can simply dump Gonzalez's contract on the Dodgers and clear his money. They also can withdraw Gonzalez from waivers, ending any chance that he will be traded this season.
The biggest question is the Red Sox's willingness to trade Gonzalez. A major league source said last week that the Red Sox would consider moving him only in a "transformative" — or franchise-changing — type of trade.
Teams generally prefer to move stars in the offseason, when they can involve more teams in discussions. But the Dodgers likely would be Gonzalez's most fervent suitor in the offseason as well, and the Red Sox may simply prefer to take advantage of their eagerness now.
Earlier this month, the Dodgers were awarded the claim to another high-priced player, Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee. The two sides, however, could not agree on a trade.
Gonzalez is hitting .300 with 15 homers and 86 RBI in 123 games with Boston.
