MLB Rumors: Are Red Sox out on Will Smith despite heavy recent interest?

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The Boston Red Sox reportedly have interest in a number of relievers ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

But are they willing to pay the cost of doing business?

That issue apparently cropped up in Boston's recruit of San Francisco Giants reliever Will Smith, according to the Boston Sports Journal's Sean McAdam, who shared this reporting Wednesday:

The Red Sox indeed have sent scouts to several Giants games in recent weeks, and Smith -- a left-handed closer enjoying an All-Star season -- would address their desperate need for a ninth-inning option.

But no deal has materialized with hours to go before the deadline, seemingly because San Francisco's asking price for Smith is too high.

McAdam's insight would corroborate recent reports suggesting the Red Sox are focusing on "lesser" bullpen arms instead of high profile relievers like New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz.

Boston already has a thin farm system, and it appears president of baseball Dave Dombrowski is wary of depleting it further. That means we may see the Sox take a cautious approach into the deadline unless they can negotiate a better price for Smith.

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