Red Sox trade deadline targets after Rafael Devers’ call up
Now that third baseman Rafael Devers has been promoted to the big leagues, who should the Boston Red Sox target at the trade deadline?
The Boston Red Sox find themselves in an interesting position, as the end of the month approaches. General Manager, Dave Dombrowski, recently decided to call up blue-chip prospect, Rafael Devers. Devers is the #1 rated prospect in the Red Sox system, #12 in all of baseball. This promotion has allowed us to have a glimpse into the market.
Devers’ promotion could mean one of two things for the Sox organization. 1) It could mean that the front office believes that Devers is not only the long-term answer at third, but also for this season. 2) It could show that Dombrowski is clearly underwhelmed by the current state of the market.
It is possible that the front office doesn’t see the right deal, or even that rival GM’s are trying to raise their prices. Since the Sox farm system has been depleted over the past few seasons, they aren’t inclined to trade away their blue-chip guys.
There is no clear-cut path for the Red Sox heading into the trade deadline, but for now, we know that the Rafael Devers era is about to begin.
Let’s take a look at some possible trades that Dealin’ Dave could pull off.
Acquire Phillies’ RHP Pat Neshek
This is a headline that many Red Sox fans have anticipated seeing for a few weeks. Neshek has been excellent in Philadelphia, certainly out performing his one year deal. He’s posted a sub-two ERA and has flourished in a set-up role. Due to Neshek’s first-half success, there will be plenty of competition for the odd throwing right-hander.
There have been multiple teams linked to Neshek already, including the Red Sox. The 36-year-old is a one-year rental for any team that is looking to acquire him, so the return will be limited. Teams such as the Nationals, Dodgers, and Brewers have also been connected to him – leaving the market quite crowded.
Keep in mind that Dombrowski also acquired submarine pitcher, Brad Ziegler, last year. This doesn’t solidify the Sox interest in Neshek; however, it is a viable comparison. Ziegler and Neshek have similar styles and Neshek would be a great fit in Boston.
The Sox bullpen has had consistent success, ranking in the upper echelon in the league, but they are lacking a veteran presence in the late innings. The former Houston Astros’ reliever would provide some stability and a veteran presence in the later innings – and would prime the bullpen for a run through October.
INNING OVER. @PatNeshek strands runners at 2nd & 3rd!!!!!!!!! We head to the 6th! STILL 4-2 @USABaseball !!!! #ForGlory🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/l5wQ4ZzmMz
— 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩 𝘿𝙚 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙞 (@MattDeBlasi) March 19, 2017
Acquire Tigers’ LHP Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson has been an emerging star for the Tigers this season. After replacing Fernando Rodriguez as the closer, the hard-throwing lefty has excelled greatly, posting a 2.82 ERA this season.
Since Robby Scott, Fernando Abad, and Robbie Ross have all struggled this season, it would be important for Dombrowski to find a consistent left-handed pitcher. Since John Farrell is an advocate for using L/R match ups, Justin Wilson would provide him with another weapon in a successful bullpen. Not only would Wilson be an upgrade in that single category, but he would greatly upgrade the back-end of the bullpen.
Brandon Workman has proved to be a viable weapon, but he still needs work. Matt Barnes has been inconsistent, Joe Kelly is unproven, and Carson Smith is still out for a few more weeks. These relievers still leave the Red Sox with a few question marks towards the end of a game.
When October rolls around, it always seems that the teams that have a dominant bullpen have great success. The Kansas City Royals showed that in 2014 with their tandem of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, and Greg Holland. Similarly, the Indians last season with Cody Allen, Andrew Miller, and Bryan Shaw. There is no greater weapon than shortening the game and Wilson would certainly help that cause.
Five outs to close the game? Enter Justin Wilson. https://t.co/nX17iz8wmy
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 10, 2017
Acquire Athletics’ 1B / DH Yonder Alonso
Yonder Alonso could be the immediate spark that the Red Sox need in their lineup. Since Mitch Moreland has struggled recently, Alonso presents an upgrade over the recent power outage that has plagued the Red Sox. Currently ranked 27th in home runs, with 99, the Sox could use an upgrade.
Alonso plays in the pitcher-friendly Oakland Coliseum, showing that his power numbers are not a fluke. Moving a power hitter to Boston could only help those numbers increase. The Sox offense has seemed anemic, as of late, and Alonso won’t help the strikeout numbers; however, he will produce the long ball and drive in runs to make up for the strikeouts.
Billy Beane has made it very clear that he is looking to sell at the deadline, making Sonny Gray available and trading away relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson to the Nationals. There is little question that Alonso is available, but the true question is, at what price?
Since Alonso is a free agent after this season, it would make sense that the Athletics are looking to capitalize on any remaining value. They know they are unlikely to re-sign him in the offseason, so a trade is imminent.
Will the power hitting lefty end up in Boston? I hope so.
Acquire Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton / Justin Bour / Kyle Barraclough
If Dealin’ Dave was hiding a blockbuster deal, it may look something like this. The Marlins are a candidate for a massive reshaping of their roster. Their team is for sale, they have minimal cap space, and they are largely out of playoff contention.
Acquiring Stanton would certainly fill a large hole in the Sox order. He does have a massive 10 yr/$300 million contract, but it is likely that the Marlins are trying to rid themselves of that agreement. Justin Bour is a controllable power bat at first base and he’s not set to hit free agency until 2021. Finally, Kyle Barraclough is a promising bullpen arm that is not set to hit the market until 2022.
The return in this deal would be large. The Red Sox would most likely need to give up at least one of their outfielders, possibly Jackie Bradley Jr. and package some prospects.
This deal would certainly take a large toll on the already depleted farm system, but it would make the Red Sox contenders this season. Acquiring two power hitters, like Stanton and Bour, would provide the spark they seek in the middle of the order.
Will this deal happen? Probably not; however, don’t doubt Dombrowski when it comes to making a splash at the trade deadline.
As the trade deadline looms, there will be plenty of deals made throughout the league. There is no guarantee that Dombrowski will make a splash or a small trade. Speculating is part of what makes the trade deadline fun for fans. You never know who will end up wearing a different uniform, or who will end up becoming a World Series hero.