The Boston Red Sox have fallen short of expectations this season, entering MLB games today below the .500 mark and 8.5 games in back in the American League East. However, amid a recent turnaround, it appears Boston has no intention of operating as sellers at the MLB trade deadline.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that most around the league expect Boston to try and make trades to improve their roster this summer. Specifically, there’s a belief that Boston will attempt to trade one of its outfielders for a starting pitcher and aim to upgrade at first base.
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- Boston Red Sox rotation stats (FanGraphs): 4.42 ERA (24th), 1.38 WHIP (24th), .266 batting average allowed (28th) in 372.1 innings pitched
The obvious trade candidate for Boston would be All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran, who has already popped up in MLB trade rumors this season. With Roman Anthony called up, it gives Boston more flexibility with its outfield to flip Duran for a starting pitcher.
If Duran or Ceddanne Rafaela were to be moved, Boston would certainly be seeking a front-line starter with multiple years of contract control. It could be an enticing opportunity for clubs like the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks, teams that aren’t rebuilding but want to compete next season.
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- Boston Red Sox first baseman (FanGraphs): .737 OPS (15th), .266 batting average (10th), -0.2 fWAR (21st) in 71 games
Boston would’ve liked to address its issues at first base with Rafael Devers, but the All-Star slugger has made it clear he won’t move off being the designated hitter. Given the depth of the Red Sox farm system, they should be well-positioned to find a quality first baseman among selling teams this summer.
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