Red Sox Swoop for Indians' Martinez

Locked in a tight wild-card race and in need of an offensive boost, the Red Sox struck a blockbuster deal Friday, acquiring catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez from the Indians.

FanHouse first reported that Boston was on the verge of acquiring Martinez Friday afternoon. A source confirmed reports that Cleveland would get right-hander Justin Masterson, Single-A left-hander Nick Hagadone and a player to be named, expected to be Single-A right-hander Bryan Price.

A second source said Boston then traded first baseman Adam LaRoche, the odd man out after Martinez's arrival, to Atlanta. The first source confirmed that was straight up for Casey Kotchman, who could be a defensive replacement at first.

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Martinez could theoretically play first base when third baseman Mike Lowell (hip) is unavailable, with Kevin Youkilis at third in that case. And Martinez could share time at catcher with Jason Varitek, who his hitting .231 since May 25.

Cleveland already traded ace Cliff Lee this week, figuring it could not contend next year with the economic constraints given by ownership.

The switch-hitting Martinez is hitting .284 with 15 homers and is 10th in the AL with 67 RBI. His contract includes a $7 million team option for 2010.

Boston has a team .317 on-base percentage since the All-Star break, with just 55 runs and eight homers in 13 games.

LaRoche, acquired from Pittsburgh on July 22, was hitting a combined .248 with 13 homers and 43 RBI.

Masterson, 24, was 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA for Boston in six starts and 25 relief appearances.

Hagadone, 23, was a supplemental first-round pick in 2007. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2008 and has returned for 10 starts this year.

Price, 22, was 4-8 with a 4.67 ERA for two Class A teams. He was a supplemental first-round pick last year.