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Boston Red Sox players that could be expendable in a trade

By Rick McNair

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 31, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright (35) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright (35) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Wright

The Red Sox had a surprise in 2016 and that was Wright. Wright was a lifeline as the starting staff and bullpen decided to take a few months post-spring training vacation. Wright went deep into games to avoid an incendiary bullpen and was about as competent a pitcher as the American League had.

By the All-Star break, Wright had no time off since he was requested to be part of the AS Team. Wright was also leading the American League in ERA. He had a 10-5 record at the break and talk around the campfire was Wright was a serious candidate for a Cy Young Award.

The rest of the Wright story is well documented, as his ill-advised excursion onto the basepaths resulted in an injury that essentially finished off his season. What should be noted by Wright is a fundamental concern about his ability to perform at Fenway Park.

In 2016 the home/road splits for Wright demonstrated that concern. Wright tossed 79.1 innings at home and another 77.1 innings on the road. The numbers form a stark contrast. Home ERA was 4.54 and the road it dipped to 2.09. FIP saw 4.46 versus a road 3.06 and WHIP went 1.42 to a miserly road figure of 1.06. Batting average against was .265 at Fenway and .198 elsewhere.

The Red Sox rotation improved steadily in the second half when Wright was absent. Wright is also going to be a free agent, but in the next decade. Even arbitration is two seasons away. Being a knuckleball pitcher age is of little relevance for the 31-year-old right-hander.

Wright has a real plus value as shown by his performance and his line item for any payroll budget. The road numbers are especially attractive as is his ability to pinch run (sarcasm meter now off). And Wright is expendable based on the Red Sox second half performance and especially the pitching recovery of Eduardo Rodriguez.

The loss of Wright would have a depth impact on the Red Sox, but the potential return could be exceptional especially if Wright was part of one of the aforementioned blockbuster deals.

Trade Chance: Medium

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