Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reports that the Red Sox are interested in a package deal with the Marlins involving third baseman Martin Prado and reliever David Phelps.
While the Red Sox don’t exactly need bullpen help -- their 3.00 aggregate relief ERA is third-best in baseball -- they do need some help at third base with Pablo Sandoval injured and Deven Marrero underperforming.
Prado, 33, has appeared in only 32 games this season and has hit a disappointing .273/.299/.388 with two home runs and 12 RBI. While this year has been a struggle, Prado has been an above-average hitter in each of the last five seasons and has the ability to play every position except for pitcher and catcher.
Phelps, 30, has a 3.56 ERA with a 46/16 K/BB ratio in 43 innings of work this year.
