Outfielder Josh Willingham has taken a beating over the last two seasons while playing for a struggling Nationals franchise, but according to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the veteran could be heading to a contender by Saturday's trade deadline.
Stark lists the Red Sox, Braves and Rays as teams interested in the right-handed slugger. Willingham has appeared in left field for 92 games this season and is hitting .273 with 15 homer and 50 RBIs. Willingham, who has also played right field, first base and even catcher in the past, is checking in with a career-high .880 OPS and is one steal away from tying his career high of eight steals in one season.
The 31-year-old former Marlin is making approximately $4.6 million this season. In his four previous seasons as a full-time major leaguer, Willingham has reached 20 home runs or more in three, including a career-high 26 in 2006 — his rookie year.
The report also indicates that the Red Sox were actively pursuing David DeJesus before the Royals outfielder went down with a season-ending injury. Stark also hears rumors that the Sox, who were involved in talks with Phillies' outfielder Jayson Werth, won't do anything major this week, as they're expecting Jacoby Ellsbury back soon and should they need to look into adding outside help, they will monitor the waiver wire in August.
