3 dream scenarios for Red Sox at this year's MLB Trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox went into the All-Star break on a high note few saw coming at the beginning of the 2024 campaign.

The Red Sox were many experts' last-place pick for the American League East, and while there's still a lot of baseball season left, they've defied the expectations set for them. Craig Breslow and Andrew Bailey have begun their transformation of Boston's pitching staff, Jarren Duran is posting a breakout season and Rafael Devers is off on the season of his career.

The Red Sox have played themselves into wild card contention and they deserve reinforcements to have their best shot at the postseason. Boston's front office has developed a reputation for underwhelming trade deadline performances in recent years, and surely Breslow hopes to reverse that in his first year at the helm.

A lot will have to go the Sox's way for them to make a deep playoff run. But the 2024 squad has captured the hearts of Red Sox Nation, and fans can dream. Here are three scenarios Boston, or other clubs, could pull off that would make the Red Sox's path to the postseason easier and more memorable.

3 dream scenarios for Red Sox at this year's MLB Trade deadline

Red Sox acquire Nathan Eovaldi

The Red Sox officially began their trade deadline moves by trading for James Paxton on July 26. He's a solid first addition to the squad, and many reporters believe he'll be the only help the rotation gets, but a fan-favorite former Red Sox is up for grabs from his current club.

Boston has been named as one of the best fits for Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi. Nasty Nate joined the Red Sox ahead of the 2018 trade deadline — we all remember how that went.

Eovaldi has logged a 3.31 ERA, 104 strikeouts and 26 walks through 106 innings. He's clocked an 88th-percentile chase rate and his walk rate is among the top 25% in the league. The righty helped the Sox win a World Series in 2018 and make it to the ALCS three seasons later. His presence alone could bring an electric, playoff-like atmosphere to Fenway Park.

Tanner Houck has passed his career-high innings pitched in a single season and Kutter Crawford is a few starts away from passing his, as well. A six-man rotation would help Boston's pitchers achieve longevity through extra rest, and although the Sox would sacrifice another roster spot to do so, it may be the best option for the staff.

Red Sox acquire Yandy Díaz or Justin Turner

Breslow has reported that the Red Sox front office seeks to add a right-handed bat before July 30, and any additions they make will most likely come in the infield. Devers is contending with a sore shoulder and Triston Casas still needs to undergo a rehab assignment before he can return to action in Boston, so a corner infielder may be the best choice.

The Red Sox already made a trade with the Blue Jays that did not involve Justin Turner, so the former fan-favorite may not make a return to Boston this season, but he's the kind of player the Sox could use most. He's right-handed and has years of playoff experience that would go a long way on the Red Sox's young roster.

Yandy Díaz would also be an ideal addition for the Sox. He's slashing .300/.326/.485 in his past 30 games after a bit of a slow start to the campaign. He's hit nine homers, 21 doubles and clocked 47 RBI. He would bring consistent production from the right side and could fill in at first on days Casas needs a rest. He doesn't have much experience at third base in recent years, but he could help Devers conserve strength by getting him off his feet.

Brian Cashman completely whiffs for Yankees

During Boston's June and July hot streak, the Yankees trended in the opposite direction. The Red Sox picked up a lot of ground on their biggest rival, and they're in a tight race for second place in the AL East and the first AL wild card spot.

If the Sox have a successful trade deadline and Brian Cashman can't pull off any massive additions, Boston may be able to overtake New York in the standings. The Yankees' first trade wasn't the most impressive — Jazz Chisholm Jr. doesn't bring enough offense to make a huge impact on the lineup. The Red Sox's first trade also doesn't move the needle much. Danny Jansen is a better backup catcher option than Reese McGuire, but he isn't exactly a slugger from the right side.

Clay Holmes has struggled closing games for New York, and the Red Sox have exploited it on a few occasions. The Yankees have been named among the teams interested in the Marlins' All-Star closer Tanner Scott, but he wasn't part of the Chisholm deal. The Angels' Carlos Estevez was also a popular reliever choice among many contenders, but the Phillies traded for him soon after the Chisholm deal.

The deadline is just a few days away, and some of the best candidates for both teams are moving fast. If the Sox hope to move up the AL East, and simultaneously the wild card, they need to have a better deadline performance than the Yankees.

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