Examining Latest Red Sox Trade Rumors and Speculation for MLB Deadline

Examining the Latest Red Sox Trade Rumors

With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, rumors are swirling around the Boston Red Sox and what moves they might make to improve their roster for a potential playoff push. The Red Sox have struggled with consistency so far in 2023 and find themselves on the fringe of the American League playoff picture. Will they be buyers or sellers at the deadline? Let's examine some of the latest Red Sox trade rumors.

Potential Bullpen Additions

The Red Sox bullpen has been one of the team's biggest weaknesses this season. Closer Matt Barnes has struggled with consistency and none of Boston's other relief options have stepped up to solidify the back end of the bullpen. With the bullpen ERA hovering around 4.50 on the season, adding some quality late inning arms seems like an obvious move for Boston at the deadline.

A number of established relievers have been mentioned in Red Sox trade rumors, including David Robertson of the Chicago Cubs, Mychal Givens of the Chicago White Sox, and Daniel Bard of the Colorado Rockies. Robertson and Bard are familiar names for Red Sox fans, having both pitched for Boston earlier in their careers. Givens has quietly put together a strong season for the White Sox and would give the Red Sox pen a much needed power arm from the right side.

Outfield Options

The Red Sox outfield has also been hemorrhaging production in 2023. Longtime right fielder Mookie Betts was traded away a few years ago and Boston is still trying to find his long term replacement. Meanwhile, left fielder Andrew Benintendi has taken a major step backwards at the plate this season, creating another hole in the lineup.

Several big name outfielders have appeared in trade rumors connected to Boston, including Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs, and Joey Gallo of the New York Yankees. Reynolds and Happ would likely require the Red Sox to part with top prospects but would provide an instant offensive spark. Gallo continues to struggle with consistency but is an intriguing buy-low candidate with huge raw power.

Will They Buy or Sell?

Entering play on July 24th, the Red Sox sat 3.5 games back in the AL Wild Card standings. While not completely out of contention, the team has shown no signs of going on an extended hot streak. With Xander Bogaerts able to opt out of his contract after the season, there is speculation Boston could make him available in order to ensure getting something in return before he hits free agency.

Trading Bogaerts seems unlikely but it cannot be ruled out completely. Eduardo Rodriguez is another player entering free agency who could potentially be dealt. Outside of those two stars though, Boston lacks many valuable trade chips on the big league roster.

Top prospects like 1B Triston Casas, 2B Nick Yorke, and OF Gilberto Jimenez are names that will certainly come up in any trade talks. However, the Red Sox may be hesitant to deal their prized minor leaguers when the likelihood of postseason success this year seems low.

Final Thoughts

The next week will determine a lot about the direction of the Red Sox franchise over both the short and long term. Will Chaim Bloom mortgage top prospects to go all-in on 2022 or take a more calculated approach with eyes on the future? Are established stars like Bogaerts and Martinez truly untouchable if the right offer comes along?

Red Sox fans will be anxiously monitoring their phones and computers leading up to August 2nd as they hope to gain clarity on the rumors. For now though, it seems anything is possible as Boston weighs buying or selling at this year's deadline.

FAQs

What are the biggest needs for the Red Sox at the trade deadline?

The Red Sox's biggest needs at the trade deadline are bullpen help and outfield upgrades. The bullpen has struggled with consistency all season and adding some reliable late inning arms should be a priority. The outfield production has dropped off significantly from last season as well, making a corner outfielder with some pop a potential trade target.

Who are some potential trade targets for the Red Sox?

Some potential trade targets for the Red Sox include relievers like David Robertson, Mychal Givens and Daniel Bard. In the outfield, names like Bryan Reynolds, Ian Happ and Joey Gallo have come up in trade rumors connected to Boston.

Are the Red Sox expected to be buyers or sellers at the deadline?

The Red Sox are currently on the fringe of playoff contention, so they could go either way at the deadline. If they believe they can make a run, they may buy and target upgrades. However, if they fall further back, big names like Xander Bogaerts or J.D. Martinez could be made available to contenders.

What top prospects could the Red Sox use as trade bait?

Some of the Red Sox's top prospects who could be trade chips include 1B Triston Casas, 2B Nick Yorke and OF Gilberto Jimenez. However, Boston may be reluctant to deal their most prized minor leaguers at this year's deadline.

When is the 2022 MLB trade deadline?

The 2022 MLB trade deadline is Tuesday, August 2nd at 6pm ET. Trade rumors and speculation around the Red Sox should escalate in the coming days leading up to the deadline.