Skip to content

Report: Red Sox, Braves interested in Royals' Moustakas

Brian Davidson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Kansas City Royals opted to hold on to Mike Moustakas during last year's trade deadline, but with the team now sitting near the bottom of the standings, it's almost a guarantee the veteran third baseman will be on the move in the next few weeks.

While the New York Yankees have already been linked to Moustakas with ambitions of using him at first base, the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves have also expressed interest, sources told Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

Moustakas has enjoyed another productive offensive season, hitting .250/.306/.469 with 19 home runs, 18 doubles, and 58 RBIs in 90 games, while seeing time at both third and first base.

The Braves are in search of help at the hot corner and had been linked to Manny Machado, though they may pivot to Moustakas, who will come at a cheaper cost in terms of prospects. Atlanta ranks 15th in the majors this season in OPS from third base.

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers has struggled both offensively and defensively at times this season and is currently on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, though he isn't expected to miss much time. Both he and Moustakas hit left-handed and struggle against southpaws, so it would be difficult to platoon the pair. Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce are both first baseman for the club, so using Moustakas at first base isn't a strong fit.

Moustakas has roughly $2.5 million remaining on his deal this season and has a $15-million mutual option for 2019 that can be bought out for $1 million.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox