Report: Red Sox add Rodney to relief trade targets

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly looking far and wide for bullpen depth and have added Minnesota Twins closer Fernando Rodney to their list of potential targets, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

Earlier in July, it was reported that the Red Sox had contacted the Miami Marlins regarding three of their relievers, including National League Reliever of the Month for June, Kyle Barraclough. Now, per Crasnick, the team is casting a wide net in its search for bullpen depth.

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski would be familiar with Rodney from their time together with the Detroit Tigers. Rodney, now 41 years old, spent seven seasons with the Tigers between 2002-09. Over 308 appearances, the reliever posted a 4.28 ERA and recorded 70 saves. Meanwhile, Dombrowski acted as Detroit's general manager from 2002-15, and allowed Rodney to depart via free agency.

The veteran right-hander agreed to a one-year, $4.5-million deal with the Twins this past offseason, that includes a team option for 2019. However, with Minnesota quickly fading out of contention, the team could pivot to sell off some assets.

Over 30 1/3 innings with the Twins this year, Rodney owns a 2.97 ERA and 3.44 FIP with 18 saves serving as the team's primary closer. If traded to the Red Sox, Rodney would likely slide into a high-leverage role behind six-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel, joining an underwhelming relief corps of Matt Barnes, Joe Kelly, and Heath Hembree.