The Boston Red Sox are one of two finalists to land Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez, according to an ESPN Boston report. The Athletics are reportedly deciding between trade offers from the Red Sox and Washington Nationals, and are expected to make their decision on Thursday.
The news that Boston is still heavily in the hunt for Gonzalez contradicts earlier reports that the Red Sox were worried about the cost being too steep. WEEI reported earlier on Thursday that Boston was "not close" to acquiring any pitchers via trade or free agency, and were starting to feel content with waiting out the market and making a smaller splash in January or later.
But Gordon Edes reports that Gonzalez is still Boston's top target. The 26-year old lefty was 16-12 last season with a 3.12 ERA and has pitched at least 200 innings in two consecutive seasons.
The Red Sox reportedly feel they have enough depth in their farm system to compete with any offer from other teams, but are unlikely to part with catcher Ryan Lavarnway.
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