Red Sox Rumors: Potential trade targets for postseason push

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Now that the Boston Red Sox are about 70 games in, their flaws have started to become pretty clear. To fix these flaws, they will likely look at the trade market for potential solutions.

Every year, the trade deadline is on July 31st. In past years, waiver trades were allowed in September, but those will no longer exist this season. So far there have been highs and lows in the Red Sox season, and they clearly have holes that need to be filled.

Those include center field, relief pitcher, and possibly starting pitcher. Also, they can be flexible on what part of the outfield they trade for, as they can move Mookie Betts or Andrew Benintendi to center if needed.

In last year’s World Series run, the Red Sox had numerous contributions made from guys they acquired earlier in the season, specifically World Series MVP Steve Pearce and pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, who had one of the best relief appearances in World Series history.

The Red Sox also acquired Ian Kinsler prior to the last deadline, who may not have hit much, but added strong defense to a position where the Red Sox needed it. This year, the trade deadline could be more critical for the Sox, given that they have more flaws than last year’s 108 win team did.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 17: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Outfielders:

Yasiel Puig:

After spending 6 seasons with the Dodgers, Yasiel Puig was traded to the Reds before the final season on his contract. While he has struggled this season, he was good in both 2017 and 2018 and would provide an upgrade over Jackie Bradley Jr., and likely has more upside. Puig may not be able to play center, which would mean one of Betts or Benintendi would have to move there.

He provides a more reliable bat than Bradley Jr. and has a solid glove. While so far, he has not been significantly better than Bradley Jr., he has had more recent success and is likely a safer option.

Adam Jones:

The Orioles longtime center fielder left for Arizona this season after the Orioles decided they wanted to go a different direction. So far, he has thrived in Arizona as Jones currently has a 109 wRC+ this season.

He can no longer play center as he only plays right in Arizona, so much like Puig, his acquisition would require Betts or Benintendi to move spots. It is unclear if he keeps this offensive production, but he would be a cheap upgrade over Bradley Jr.

Alex Gordon:

Gordon, the longtime Royal has always been known for his elite defense, but this year his bat has been good, posting a 129 wRC+ through 63 games. While his left field defense is elite, his centerfield defense is not.

The Red Sox would likely be better off moving Benintendi or Betts to center. He provides a clear upgrade over Bradley Jr. and would add another solid bat to the Red Sox lineup who also has a solid glove.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 02: David Price #10 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Starting pitchers:

Before the season, the rotation looked like it would be an extremely strong part of the Red Sox team. 2 months in, however, they have struggled. Nathan Eovaldi is hurt, while Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez have struggled. This has left the Red Sox with just two reliable starters, David Price, and Chris Sale, who also had his struggles early on.

Madison Bumgarner:

In 2014, Madison Bumgarner, put together one of the most dominant postseasons in history, leading the Giants to their 3rd title in 5 years. Fast forward 5 years and the Giants are no longer the contenders they once were while he is in the final year of his deal.

While he is not the ace he once was, he is still an effective pitcher with an extraordinary postseason track record. He has a 3.83 ERA and a 3.88 FIP. He would certainly be a good add for a postseason push to a currently thin rotation.

Tanner Roark:

In his first year with Cincinnati, Tanner Roark has had a bit of a resurgence following 2 lesser years in Washington. He currently has a 3.74 ERA with a 3.44 FIP. His pitch usage has changed this year, as he is throwing fastball less and his slider much more.

This may have something to do with the bounce back. He could be a solid back end starter but not really much more than this.

Zack Wheeler:

After dealing with injuries for years, Zack Wheeler finally was able to get back on the mound for good in 2018 and was phenomenal. While his ERA this season at 4.87 does not look good, his 3.73 FIP points to signs that he will have some nice improvements soon.

He could be a 3 or better and this also depends on whether or not the Mets make him available, considering they could be a threat in the NL East.

SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 15: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox walks off the field after giving up the lead to the Seattle Mariners in the eighth inning of the game the game at Safeco Field on June 15, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

Relief pitchers:

Greg Holland:

Last season, Holland was one of the victims of the slow-moving free agent market. He eventually signed a one year deal with St. Louis, where he greatly struggled and was let go. He then signed with Washington where he bounced back before becoming a free agent again this offseason, where he signed with Arizona.

Jared Hughes:

While Jared Hughes may not be a household name, he has been a solid reliever for a while and that has continued this season with the Reds. Not only is he a solid pitcher, but has a club option for next season, which means the Red Sox could use him next season.

This would also mean he would cost more in a trade. This season, he has a 3.41 ERA with a 4.01 FIP. While he is not a spectacular reliever, he is certainly solid, and the Red Sox need depth.

Will Smith:

The reliever that might be the prize of the deadline is Will Smith who has been dominant all season long. He currently has a 2.03 ERA with a 38/6 K/BB ratio. He is also striking out an impressive 13 per 9. He may be difficult for the Red Sox to get given their lack of depth in the farm system. Other teams can likely outbid the Red Sox if they want.

dark. Next. Red Sox: 5 players that can be traded to improve the team

With just under two months until the deadline the Red Sox don’t have much time to make their moves happen. The holes in the roster seem obvious to those on the outside but the organization seems steadfast in waiting on their IL to clear up. If they want to once again contend for the World Series crown in October they can’t afford to waste any time.

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