On December 29, 2008, news agencies reported that the Boston Red Sox were interested in acquiring Hanley Ramirez from the Florida Marlins in a trade. The Marlins are believed to be slightly interested in center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and pitcher Clay Buchholz but the Marlins are reportedly in no rush to trade their franchise player. Ramirez recently signed a six-year contract worth $70 million dollars. Ramirez was originally drafted by the Red Sox but was traded to the Marlins for third baseman Mike Lowell and pitcher Josh Beckett. SI.com: Red Sox made play for SS Ramirez (December 29, 2008)

After the 2006 Spring training, Ramirez earned a roster spot with the Marlins, playing in 158 games that year. He was also selected as the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year. In 2007, Ramirez, played in 154 games with the Marlins. He was voted 10th for the National League Most Valuable Player. After the season, Ramirez had surgery to repair an injured left shoulder. His recovery in the off season went well and he re joined the starting roster for the Marlins for the 2008 regular season.MLB.com: Hanley Ramirez