The Boston Red Sox lost four straight games out of the All-Star break, and fans are noticing the teams' inconsistencies more than ever.
It felt like the Red Sox were "in" their recent losses — the rough streak began with a game-winning grand slam from Freddie Freeman and Boston needed the slightest push to come out on the other side of its extra-innings loss to the Rockies.
The Sox's lineup is sorely lacking a right-handed bat that can come through in those moments. Their division rival Rays may have some potential trade candidates Boston could pursue.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Tampa Bay has been taking calls on Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz and Isaac Paredes. The latter two would be solid right-handed choices for the Red Sox's infield, as Arozarena has posted a down season and Boston's outfield is already packed with quality talent.
Sources: The Mariners and Rays have yet to engage in serious dialogue about Seattle’s interest in adding an impact bat, but the teams are frequent trading partners and talks could advance in the days ahead.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2024
Tampa Bay will listen on Arozarena, Diaz, or Paredes in the right deal.…
Díaz is a veteran corner infielder who could play either third or first base. The Red Sox have given mixed messages on the state of Triston Casas' recovery and Rafael Devers has battled a sore shoulder all season — Díaz could offer the two some relief in the field.
The veteran is batting .273/.329/.396 with a .725 OPS, eight homers and 46 RBI in 94 games. Díaz doesn't boast as much power this season as he usually does, but he's a reliable and durable player who can get the job done from the right side.
Yandy Díaz or Isaac Paredes could help the Red Sox boost their right-handed offensive production
Paredes is also a corner infielder who plays solid, league-average defense at third base. He's slashing .252/.353/.449 with a .802 OPS, 16 homers and 51 RBI in 95 games.
Díaz is a more reliable hitter and Paredes has more pop, specifically to left field — he would need to adjust to the Green Monster if Boston were to swing a trade for him, but he could still be an extra-base hit machine. Paredes and Díaz don't strike out much, and rank in the 78th and 89th percentiles, respectively in strikeout percentage. Paredes also ranks in the 86th percentile in walk rate, while Díaz ranks slightly below the league average.
Either corner infielder would help Boston's lineup at the plate as its desperation for right-handed production grows. Morosi specifically named the Mariners as trade candidates with Tampa Bay, so if the Red Sox are interested in either of their rival's righty infielders, they should act fast.
The Rays are only five games out of the first American League wild card spot, and the Sox's post-All-Star-break skid has opened the door for Tampa Bay to make a run. Boston needs right-handed reinforcements as soon as possible to prevent a longer losing streak.