A stronger rotation is needed for Red Sox to make a deep playoff push
The Boston Red Sox have shown that they are not bowing down this season, sporting a 16-11 spring training record that came with excitement. Players such as Bobby Dalbec and Jarren Duran have created a buzz heard throughout all of Red Sox Nation, giving fans a sense of excitement not seen since Mookie was traded.
This team has potential, to say the least. I am not entirely sure what makes me say this, but this team reminds me of the 2013 championship team a lot. Not a lot of expectations with underwhelming players, but scrappy in the best way. In my opinion, the distance this team can go will be fully determined by July 31, the MLB trade deadline.
At this point in the season, the team will expose who they truly are, and in that case what they will need to stretch their season out all the longer. If the team can stay afloat come July, a trade to further the season will surely happen. If not, the Red Sox will find themselves in a similar situation to the latter half of last season.
I project the team will remain competitive until the deadline, warranting Chaim Bloom to make a trade to boost the rotation and put the team that much further ahead. I have been an open critique of the Nathan Eovaldi contract since day one, as I am of the Garrett Richards signing. Yes, Eovaldi held up great in the 2018 World Series, but will he do it again? Can Richards find the strike zone? I do not think so.
Bloom will need to make a move for another pitcher to boost this rotation if he believes they can contend, so let’s look at who’s out there and a realistic target under Bloom.