According to a baseball source, the Red Sox engaged in "preliminary talks" with the Marlins in regard to possibly acquiring shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Josh Johnson. The players ultimately were part of Miami's 12-player trade with the Blue Jays, with the Marlins also sending pitcher Mark Buehrle, catcher John Buck and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio to Toronto.
The 29-year-old Reyes will be in the second year of a six-year, $106 million contract that includes a team option for $22 million in 2018. In his first year with the Marlins, the shortstop hit .287 with a .347 on-base percentage, stealing 40 bases and hitting 11 home runs. He hit leadoff in 95 of his 160 appearances, batting third 63 times.
Johnson, who has one year remaining in a deal that will play him $13.75 million in 2013, went 8-14 with a 3.81 ERA in 2012, making 31 starts. The 28-year-old righty is two years removed from leading the National League in ERA (2.30).
For more analysis on the Blue Jays-Marlins deal, and what it might mean for the Red Sox, read Alex Speier's column by clicking here. [1]
For more Red Sox news, go to the team page at weei.com/redsox [2].
Links:
[1] http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/11/13/game-changer-reported-blue-jays-marlins-blockbuster-shakes-up-al-east/
[2] http://weei.com/redsox
[3] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/red-sox