4 Potential dark-horse Boston Red Sox trade targets

4 Potential dark-horse Red Sox trade targets

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 25: Merrill Kelly #29 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on July 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Giants 7-0. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) /

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Jul 8, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) sits in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Would the Red Sox make a bid for Ian Happ?

Ian Happ feels unlikely now that the Sox have made several trades, but since they’ve bought as well as sold already, fans can dream.

Since the Sox are desperate for outfield and first base upgrades, how about acquiring someone who can play both and hit well? Among all MLB players, Happ is above average in exit velocity, expected batting average (xBA), walk and chase rates, and sprint speed. His .347 wOBA (weighted on-base is nearly twenty points higher than last season.

The best part about Happ is his versatility; he’s a switch-hitter as well as a multi-positional defender. An argument can be made that almost every team could utilize a switch-hitting bat such as Happ, including the Red Sox. He’s currently batting .279 with 9 HR and would be a top-notch get if the Sox are serious about still trying to make the playoffs.

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