Pirates trade rumors: Red Sox serious about Joel Hanrahan, according to report

Nick Cafardo writes that the Red Sox have zeroed in on Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, who has also recently been the subject of rumors connecting him to the Dodgers, Tigers and Mariners.

It's unclear what the Red Sox would give up in a Hanrahan deal, but Cafardo rules out young lefty starter Felix Doubront, who would be an excellent return for one year of the Bucs closer. Cafardo also, perhaps more speculatively, mentions Alfredo Aceves (who would make no sense as a return for Hanrahan unless the Pirates got other pieces as well) and Franklin Morales.

Morales is a name to watch. He can start or relieve, although he might be better suited to the bullpen in the long run. If the Pirates acquired him, they would likely try him out as a starter, since their rotation is thin behind A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald. But Morales' future might ultimately be in the bullpen.

Either way, Morales isn't set in stone at this point. The takeaway here, rather, is that the Red Sox's interest in Hanrahan appears to be legitimate.

Via MLB Trade Rumors.