As the MLB trade deadline nears, teams are forced to assess their places in their respective divisions, but also their rosters.
Ballclubs that aren't contenders for a playoff spot still have trades to make. Some are in the hunt for prospects or experienced players to set up for better days in the following seasons.
Teams with players on expiring contracts may also get in on the trade deadline action. Players on short deals are often dished so their club can get one or multiple players in return for their departure. For example, despite his early-season success, Tyler O'Neill is part of many trade deadline rumors for the Boston Red Sox. He only signed a one-year deal with Boston, and his injury history and the Sox's stacked outfield make him an unlikely candidate for a contract extension.
Whether their team is struggling or they're on an expiring contract, some former Red Sox will likely be on the move before July 30. These three players may be on new teams before the season ends.
3 former Red Sox who could be on the move at 2024 MLB trade deadline
Tommy Pham
The Chicago White Sox have struggled this season, to say the least. The White Sox have no untouchables on their big league roster, which means former Red Sox Tommy Pham could be on the move.
Pham came to Boston as a trade deadline acquisition during the 2022 season and he slashed .234/.298/.374 over two months with the club. The outfielder was also moved at last season's deadline. He spent the first half of the season with the Mets and was shipped to the World Series runner-up Diamondbacks
Pham is batting .273/.331/.388 in 35 games with Chicago. The White Sox have also announced that they're fielding offers for Luis Robert Jr., who will be their most coveted player, but Pham likely won't be far behind. MLB insider Jim Bowden has named the Phillies, Rangers or Braves as possible destinations for the outfielder.
J. D. Martinez
Four-time Red Sox All-Star J. D. Martinez has been the hottest hitter on the Mets. He has 16 hits, three homers, four doubles and a triple in June, and the veteran shows no sign of slowing down.
On June 16, Martinez reached base safely in his 10th straight plate appearance, which tied the second-longest streak in Mets franchise history. He also mashed two homers against San Diego's pitching that afternoon.
It's a tight race for second place in the National League East. The Phillies have a firm hold on first, but the Braves, Nationals and Mets are within five and a half games of each other in the middle. New York is still in fourth place, however, and after early-season struggles, it'll likely be a seller by the deadline.
Martinez signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Mets just days before the start of the season and he's been a consistent contributor for them so far. He's slashing .293/.363/.518 on the year and an outstanding .400/.531/.880 in his last seven games. Martinez would help any squad that needs an offensive boost, but he hasn't played the field all season, so he wouldn't be much help to an outfield in need. Bowden suggested he'd suit the Reds or the Pirates to help them en route to a wild card push.
Justin Turner
Veteran corner infielder Justin Turner became a fan favorite in Boston soon after the Red Sox acquired him in 2023. He posted a quality season with the Sox — he batted .276/.345/.455 with an .800 OPS over 146 games — but he was not approached to return to the organization, despite his efforts.
Turner signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Blue Jays in late January, and he's struggled offensively north of the border. The veteran is batting .232/.322/.369 with 13 doubles and five homers.
Turner's low offensive numbers make him an unlikely trade target for other teams, but Toronto may still try to ship him elsewhere. The Jays have committed to a record-high payroll this season, which hasn't paid off the way ownership expected. Like the Red Sox, Toronto has lived in .500 limbo in recent games, but it has been toward the bottom or in last place in the division for much of the campaign.
Turner's contract isn't cheap relative to his contributions to the Jays' season. He holds the lowest bat speed in MLB and he's only played in the field 13 times in his 61 games. He hasn't been the subject of many trade rumors, but Toronto still might try to offload him to get a return on its investment.