The Boston Red Sox have several things to do in order to get back on track next season like replacing David Ortiz's bat and finding another starter for the rotation. The latest rumors suggest that the Red Sox could acquire both Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander from the Detroit Tigers.
The Red Sox have a big hole to fill in their lineup with Ortiz retiring after the team's ALDS loss to the Cleveland Indians. Boston also has to add another starting pitcher this offseason to solidify themselves as World Series favorites next season.
On the other hand, the Tigers had a good bounce-back season despite not making the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Cabrera was healthy and he was producing at a high level while Verlander was back to being an ace after a down 2015 season.
Tigers general manager Al Avila has revealed in several interviews that they are willing to listen to all offers for any of their players. According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports Network confirmed that Detroit is open to trading even Cabrera and Verlander, who are two of the team's cornerstones.
Heyman pointed out that the Tigers want to cut at least $27 million from their payroll this winter to avoid going over the luxury tax threshold of $189 million. It should be noted that Cabrera and Verlander will have a combined salary of $56 million for 2017.
According to Craig Edwards of FanGraphs, there is a chance that some teams will take a gamble and acquire both Cabrera and Verlander. He thinks that teams such as the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees.
However, Edwards mentioned that the likely team that can acquire the former AL MVPs are the Red Sox. He noted that Boston is run by Dave Dombrowski, who has a history with the Tigers. He added that the Red Sox have the history of spending big and taking risks while also having the best farm system in baseball.
"The obvious answer, however, is the Red Sox - especially considering both Dave Dombrowksi's prior work in Detroit and his penchant for going big. Some team could make a 10-win talent jump in 2017, and that has to be enticing, even with the onerous future salary obligations," Edwards reported.
It should be noted that these are just rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt. The Tigers will likely part ways with some of the players like Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez first before dealing Cabrera and Verlander.
Check out the video below for to see some Cabrera and Verlander highlights in a win this season.