5 players who could be traded if the Red Sox fall out of postseason contention
With the Red Sox in last place, selling is a real possibility. These players can be among those shipped out if that happens.
The Boston Red Sox are in the unfortunate position of being average or even slightly above average, yet having a very minimal shot at a postseason berth. At 47-43, the Red Sox are in last place in the AL East, ten games back of first place Tampa Bay. While they're only two back of the third Wild Card spot, they'd have to outlast two of Baltimore, Houston, Toronto, and the Yankees.
Had Boston played in the AL Central, the argument to buy would be much clearer. They'd be in first place right now, and with Trevor Story and other players coming off of the IL, a run is very possible.
A run can still be made in the AL East, especially thanks to how well they've played against the Blue Jays and Yankees, but it certainly feels unlikely. If Boston does decide that it's more worthwhile to sell, they'll have plenty of players teams will be clamoring for at the trade deadline.
1) Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall could be traded if the team falls out of postseason contention
It's been a tale of two halves for Adam Duvall. He was lighting the world on fire to begin the season, slashing .455/.514/1.030 with four home runs and 14 RBI in his first eight games of the season. Duvall then landed on the IL with wrist injury, and things haven't been the same since.
In the 23 games he's played since being activated in early June, Duvall has slashed .167/.241/.269 with one home run and seven RBI. As frustrating is that is, Duvall has always been a streaky hitter, so that's not really out of the norm.
Duvall is a guy who's hit as many as 38 home runs which he did just two years ago. He plays really sound defense in the outfield, including in center field, which can be incredibly valuable for a contender.
The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal worth $7 million this past offseason. It's a very moveable contract, and with Duvall expiring, it makes all the sense in the world to move him if Boston is out of it. Open up playing time for younger players while getting an asset back.