The Boston Red Sox are putting in the work with the trade deadline fast approaching as they sent scouts to watch a recent clash between the Giants and Mets.
The trade deadline is a little under two weeks away and the Red Sox don’t seem to be done searching for talent just yet. Jon Morosi of the MLB Network reported that Boston sent a high-level scout to watch a recent pitching battle between Madison Bumgarner and Noah Syndergaard. A very interesting bit of info for Red Sox Nation as we know the pitching is the biggest weakness of the team.
More from Red Sox Rumors
- Is Jean Segura the solution to Red Sox’ Trevor Story concerns?
- Red Sox news: Orioles eyeing former Boston arms, Dansby Swanson to Cubs, JD Martinez to Dodgers
- Did Alex Cora just drop a huge hint about Red Sox free-agent target?
- MLB insider hints Red Sox teardown may continue with two trades
- Division rival targeting Red Sox 2022 standout Michael Wacha
Both pitchers are on teams that likely won’t be making the playoffs and very well may be on the move before the July 31st deadline. Boston has struggled all season to keep the pitching consistent whether it be from the starting rotation or the bullpen. Adding either Bumgarner or Syndergaard could mean wonders for the pitching staff and give the Red Sox the boost they need.
As nice as it would be to add another elite arm to the rotation, the Red Sox ownership group has made it very clear that they aren’t too keen on adding more to the payroll, which is already the highest in the MLB. Bumgarner would also be a free agent at the end of the year with Syndergaard earning free agency in 2022. For the wages either would command it wouldn’t be the best decision for the Red Sox to make a move on the starters.
#RedSox had a high-level scout watching the Madison Bumgarner-Noah Syndergaard matchup in San Francisco last night. It is possible that #SFGiants relievers were the primary focus of that assignment. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2019
Morosi also points out that the scout may have been in attendance to see what the Giants had on tap for their relievers, which is one of if not the weakest link in the Boston chain. According to FanGraphs, the Giants bullpen is ranked 10th overall in the MLB just behind the 9th place Red Sox. So there isn’t much separating both relief squads but plucking a key player or two could allow Boston to climb the rankings.
The Giants have three of the Top 30 relievers in the league right now in Will Smith, Sam Dyson, and Reyes Moronta. Boston also has Brandon Workman and Matt Barnes in the Top 30, so the scout very well may have been eyeing the relievers to help beef up the bullpen. If the Red Sox were able to acquire any of those three to add to the bullpen it would be a major positive for the relief efforts.
Boston is in dire need of pitching help at both ends of the spectrum. The bullpen has shown signs of life but still gives Red Sox Nation heart palpitations when called upon and the rotation is the definition of Jekyll & Hyde. Dave Dombrowski recently added Andrew Cashner to the list of starters to fill the vacant spot left by Nathan Eovaldi moving to the bullpen upon his return to the team.
If Dombrowski can go out and get another reliever or even a starter without breaking the bank or selling off the entire farm system it could be the shot in the arm this team needs. With an AL East heavy schedule right now any and every chance Boston can get to boost their standings needs to be taken.