Boston is up against time as spring training nears and first base is a question mark.
Washington Nationals' Michael Morse (38) is the object of trade interest by the Red Sox, who need a solution at first base.
With time becoming a factor and the situation at first base still unresolved, the Red Sox have contacted the Washington Nationals about the availability of Michael Morse by trade.
FoxSports Ken Rosenthal said the teams have communicated about Morse, who seems without a position in Washington. The Nationals plan to use Adam LaRoche at first base and Bryce Harper, Denard Span and Jayson Werth in the outfield.
Rosenthal goes on to say it would "make sense'' for Boston to acquire Morse, 30, who has been primarily an outfielder, but has played 123 games in his career at first base.
To get him, Rosenthal speculates the Red Sox would need to give up young talent and possibly a left-handed reliever. They have Franklin Morales, Andrew Miller and Craig Breslow as lefty relievers on their 40-man roster.
Morales would appear to be the most valuable of the group, in part because he has some experience and a bit of success as a starter as well. Miller began his career as a starter, but has become a lefty specialist, which is also Breslow's role.
Giving up young talent might be a bigger sticking point, especially if the Nats drive a hard bargain. They might do so, considering Morse has attracted interest from other teams, including the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.
Boston looks dedicated to keeping its top-grade prospects - Jackie Bradley Jr., Xander Bogaerts and Bryce Brentz. Other appealing trade chips exist that might entice the Nationals.
The Morse inquiries represent the latest evidence that Boston is preparing for life without Mike Napoli, whose three-year, $39 million contract has never been finalized. The team and player have been negotiating over a pre-existing hip condition for nearly six weeks.
Neither Napoli nor Morse are considered more than adequate at best as first baseman. But each has power; Morse hit 31 home runs in 2011, and despite being limited to 102 games by injury last year, he had 18 in 2012.
The Red Sox continue to talk with Napoli, but references to any progress in the talks indicate modest movement at best. With spring training a month away and few acceptable alternate options at first base, general manager Ben Cherington is being forced to confront walking away from the deal unless an agreement can be reached soon.