The Boston Red Sox remain in the Wild Card race as their heater before the All-Star break propelled them back into the conversation, but a few issues still linger on the roster. And if they want to make a run, Craig Breslow is going to have to figure some things out.
After rookie Hunter Dobbins’ unfortunate ACL injury, the rotation remains without a fifth starter. The outfield is playing incredibly well, but there are simply too many players to give all the talent consistent playing time. Breslow has made several successful moves to build this roster, which now seems just two pieces away from being a genuine World Series contender.
With Masataka Yoshida returning and Alex Bregman healthy, questions about how to resolve the outfield logjam are growing louder. As the trade deadline looms, what can the Red Sox do to fix this?
3 creative solutions for Red Sox to solve their outfield logjam before trade deadline
Alex Cora could try consistent lineup alterations
With the designated hitter spot freed by Devers’ departure, six top-tier outfielders are now contending for only four spots. After No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony was called up and Yoshida returned from injury, the Sox suddenly have an abundance of talent in the outfield ... but it's not the worst problem to have.
The consensus plan at the moment, assuming no trades are made, is to give each outfielder a rest day, platoon Refsnyder and Yoshida at designated hitter, and move Rafaela to the middle infield one day a week. Rafaela is a shortstop by trade, but he is simply too valuable in center field, where he is among the league’s elite defenders.
If Alex Cora can institute a healthy rotation that incorporates everyone's strengths as much as possible, the Sox can stick with all of these guys and reap the rewards.
Move Jarren Duran to the Infield
Due to Story’s early shoulder injury last season, Rafaela played most of the season at shortstop with 647 innings (and 631 in center field). Rafaela currently leads the American League with 15 Outs Above Average and 14 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield. One of the best defensive center fielders in the majors should not be utilized in the infield for half of his defensive reps.. There are better alternatives.
If Jarren Duran is not traded, he could be the one moved to the infield instead. Duran’s defense regressed heavily playing in front of the Monster. The move would allow Rafaela to stay in center field while opening up more innings for the rest of the outfield. Duran was drafted as a second baseman and, like Campbell, who also struggled defensively, could move and fill the void on the right side of the Red Sox infield, at least on a part-time basis to further free up reps.
Trade Jarren Duran for Pitching
Another option for the 2024 MVP contender features a trade. Many argue the Sox are dead in the water without Duran. However, the team has only trended upward after trading Devers, who was in the middle of a career year. With Dobbins down, the Sox need another starter. Breslow could rely on Tanner Houck coming back, or eventually elevate Kyle Harrison from Worcester, but a trade is the only way to bring in a true No. 2 starter behind Crochet.
One pitcher on the block is Joe Ryan from the Twins. Ryan is having a breakout year with a career-best 2.72 ERA, which just earned him his first All-Star appearance. A package could include Duran and high-end prospects like Jhostynxon Garcia, James Tibbs III, and David Sandlin.
Duran could even be swapped for ... another Duran. Breslow is hungry like a wolf for tall flamethrowers out of the bullpen, and Jhoan Duran could be next. Duran is the current Twins closer with a 1.94 ERA and 15 saves in 46 games. He regularly hits triple digits with his four-seamer and would be a great addition to complete the bullpen.