The Rangers have “had internal discussions” about pursuing a Red Sox starter in trade talks this winter, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Grant speculates Texas could pursue David Price, Chris Sale or Nathan Eovaldi if the Sox make them available.

The Red Sox are aiming to cut their payroll to under $208 million in 2020, meaning new chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom will have to get creative and may look to move one of his top starters to slash salary. Price (3 years, $96 million), Sale (5 years, $125M) and Eovaldi (3 years, $54M) have all missed significant time due to injuries over the last two years and come with significant financial commitments but would likely be attractive to teams with holes in their rotations if available.

Texas had only four pitchers (Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Adrian Sampson and Ariel Jurado) log more than 80 innings in 2019 and has a clear rotation need entering the winter. The Rangers, who are believed to want to spend big this winter before opening a new stadium in the spring, are expected to be in the running for top free agent starter Gerrit Cole but could pivot to the trade market if they’re unable to land him.

Grant speculates the Sox could have some interest in designated hitter Shin Soo-Choo or second baseman Rougned Odor in a potential contract swap. If J.D. Martinez opts out of his contract by Monday’s deadline, Boston will have a clear need at designated hitter in addition to its opening at second base.

At this point, any match between the Red Sox and Rangers is nothing more than speculative. But as Grant reports, it’s clear the Rangers do have some preliminary interest in acquiring Price, Sale or Eovaldi if they’re made available.