According to major-league sources, the Red Sox are entertaining trade offers for Aaron Cook, the right-hander who may exercise the opt-out clause in his contract today.
Cook's contract specifies that if the Sox didn't place him on the major-league roster by midnight on May 1 -- which they didn't -- he had the option to declare for free agency. When he does, the Sox have 48 hours to either grant the free agency or promote him to the majors.
Trading him, however, is another option, and there reportedly are teams interested in Cook. The right-hander has until midnight tonight to exercise the opt-out clause, and the 48-hour window opens at the moment he does. He could inform the Sox of his decision at any time.
Cook has pitched well in Pawtucket (3-0, 1.89 ERA in five starts), but the Red Sox would like him to work out of the bullpen in Boston. Cook would prefer to start.
The Yankees are reportedly among the teams who would be interested in signing Cook if he becomes a free agent.