Red Sox trade rumor could involve taking on a 'bad contract'

The Boston Red Sox are going through some major issues right now, and it's clear that the team Craig Breslow built isn't good enough to make a postseason run this season.

But that doesn't mean the Red Sox will just give up. In a very open American League, the Red Sox can still make the postseason, and to do so, they might have to make a few trades.

On the Just Baseball podcast, ESPN insider Buster Olney revealed an interesting rumor on the Red Sox trade plans, which could involve taking on what Olney described as a "bad contract" to improve the roster.

Red Sox might take on a 'bad contract' in a trade

"What I've heard today is, they're aggressively looking for a right-handed hitter... it might be a case where the Red Sox are willing to take on a bad contract," Olney said.

This is a very interesting situation for the Red Sox. If they're willing to take on a bad contract, there are a lot more players they could feasibly try to acquire in a trade.

Just like they did last season when they traded Rafael Devers, getting back a package of players which they quickly shipped out in different trades, the return wasn't as strong as it theoretically could've been.

By taking on a bad contract of a player who fits their need, which likely is a right-handed hitting infield bat who isn't a first baseman, the Red Sox would not have to give up a king's ransom in a trade.

MORE: Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox

For example, if they traded for San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, and the Red Sox took on his contract, they wouldn't have to give up a ton of capital to the Giants in such a trade.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout would fit the description of a bad contract, but he's not likely to be traded. Maybe Bo Bichette or Jorge Polanco of the New York Mets could fit this description for the Red Sox.

Regardless of what kind of player the Red Sox target, this rumor from Olney is very interesting. If the Red Sox are willing to eat a bad contract, there are a lot more players who all of a sudden become realistic trade targets worth considering.

More MLB news:

• Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM
• Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency
• Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution
• Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was genius