MLB trade rumors: Red Sox reportedly interested in Justin Masterson, Shin-Soo Choo

The Boston Red Sox are interested in acquiring Shin-Soo Choo and Justin Masterson from the Cleveland Indians, according to Jon Paul Morosi. Choo began his career in Seattle before joining the Indians, while Masterson broke into the majors with the Red Sox. Masterson was reportedly a favorite of both (Indians manager) Terry Francona and (Red Sox manager) John Farrell while he was with Boston.

The Red Sox created the flexibility to take on significant payroll when they dealt Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers in August. They also added enough talent to the farm system in that deal that they should be able to target reinforcements via trade.

Choo is entering his third year of arbitration, meaning he will be a free agent at the end of the 2013 season if he doesn't agree to a multi-year deal before that. He earned $4.9 million last season and will likely be due a raise from that figure. He hit .283 in 2012 with 16 HR and 67 RBI.

Masterson earned 3.825 million in 2012, and has two more years of arbitration eligibility before he reaches free agency. He was 11-15 this season with a 4.93 ERA.