Jake Peavy On The Move Yet Again?

Jun 24, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy (44) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report on MLB Trade Rumors.com, former Cy Young winner and San Diego Padres’ ace, Jake Peavy could be on the move once more. The current Boston Red Sox hurler could give way to youngster Rubby De La Rosa, who has shown plenty of potential, and could be part of a new reclamation project in Boston if the Sox continue to fall out of the race. The team gained two games in the standings over the past weekend, winning two of three from arch nemesis New York in the Bronx.

Peavy, who is a free agent at the end of the season, has struggled for most of 2014, was scheduled to start today against the Cubs in Chicago, is 0-5 with a 6.38 ERA covering his last 9 outings. He claims he’s not worried about any trade rumors, and that it’s part of the business:

"“No. I have a great relationship with my pitching coach (Juan Nieves), my manager (John Farrell) and my general manager (Ben Cherington). We’re all very open with each other. I don’t need any clarity on any situation involving anything. At the end of the day, you do what you’re told, work as hard as you can work, get better at your craft. That’s the way I approach each day and will continue to do that…If you start worrying about stuff like that, your focus is off where it needs to be and it’s going to affect things.”"

(h/t Alex Speier, WEEI 93.7 FM Full Count)

While the Padres seem to have plenty of starting pitching, Peavy could bring his career full circle, and possibly make a return to San Diego, to be a leader to a young staff. The Padres in turn, could deal some younger arms to upgrade an anemic offense that ranks at or near the bottom of eight offensive categories this season. Peavy would be a much safer sign for the Padres in free agency than the nightmare result that came from handing Josh Johnson $8 million dollars to rehab for another team next season. Peavy had previously been dealt from the Chicago White Sox to Boston last year for a title run.