The Boston Red Sox are squarely in the MLB playoff picture in late July with the latest MLB trade rumors swirling regarding their plans at the deadline.
Heading into the MLB games today, Boston is riding a wave of momentum with a 7-3 record in the last 10 games. It’s helped the Red Sox gain ground in the American League, especially with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays struggling.
- Boston Red Sox stats (hitting): .262 batting average (4th in LB), 486 runs scored (5th in MLB), .432 SLG (6th in MLB)
Related: MLB trade tracker
While Boston has never been an aggressive buyer or seller at the trade deadline in most years, the front office does frequently make a series of moves. With the MLB trade deadline just a few weeks away, there appear to be clear targets for the organization that would help improve the playoff outlook.
According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Red Sox are believed to be targeting a starting pitcher and a late-inning reliever this summer.
- Boston Red Sox stats (pitching): 29 quality starts (22nd in MLB), .252 batting average allowed (22nd in MLB), 4.35 ERA (17th in MLB)
Boston is being even more specific in its search than just going after any starting pitcher or reliever. Specifically, the Red Sox are in the market for a back-end starter who can eat innings and operate behind the rotation of Brayan Bello, James Paxton and Kutter Crawford. As of now, the Red Sox want a No.4 starter because they are confident Chris Sale and Garrett Whitlock return to full health.
The Red Sox also want to find a right-handed reliever who could serve as a bridge option to Kenley Jansen. Entering play on July 20, Boston ranked 10th in bullpen ERA (3.82). While Jansen, Chris Martin and Nick Pivetta have been excellent, the Red Sox want more options for late-inning situations.
Based on the reported positions the Red Sox are targeting at the trade deadline, the focus will likely be on players who are in a contract year. While a back-end starter and late-inning reliever won’t make Boston a World Series contender, it will improve its chances of making it to October.