As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Boston Red Sox are stuck in limbo. Regardless of whether they plan to buy or sell, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow still hopes to make some moves before the July 30 deadline.
MLB insider Jim Bowden has reported Breslow is hunting for starting pitching and a temporary replacement at shortstop. Boston's starting pitching has been mostly solid, although, not as good as it was at the beginning of the season, and its infield defense has been atrocious.
Breslow's first trade deadline at the helm of the Red Sox organization gives him a golden chance to make a good impression on fans. Boston's recent trade deadline performances have been unimpressive, and Breslow's plans to improve the team despite their middle-of-the-road record is a good place to start.
The Red Sox would likely be exchanging prospects for their potential new additions. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic doesn't believe Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony or Kyle Teel are on the trade block, as they're expected to be the new core Boston is building towards.
Craig Breslow seeks pitching, temporary SS for Red Sox at trade deadline
Mayer, the Sox's No. 1 prospect, is expected to reach the big leagues this year, so any shortstop Breslow is seeking will almost definitely be a lower-level stopgap. Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim will be free agents at the end of the 2024 season, but they're likely too expensive for what the Sox would use them for.
Paul DeJong, who may be the hottest hitter on the struggling White Sox right now, could be a good option for Boston. Chicago is desperate to improve, so the Red Sox could probably swing a reasonable deal to "upgrade" for now.
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Craig Breslow on whether the Red Sox will be buyers or sellers at the July 30th trade deadline. @tomcaron | #RedSox pic.twitter.com/2H39GlcEZc
Breslow is likely searching for a more long-term starting pitching solution, though. One of his biggest missions as CBO is to transform Boston's pitching infrastructure, which has worked well so far.
The Sox will probably target pitchers with years of team control remaining on their contract, such as Jesús Luzardo. His ERA sits at 5.11 through 11 starts, but Andrew Bailey may be able to unlock something new in the young lefty (and the Sox can buy low here).
Besides a temporary shortstop and more starters, there's a good chance the Sox will be sellers at the deadline. They've already telegraphed their plans to dish Kenley Jansen, and surely Chris Martin won't be far behind. Tyler O'Neill has also been the subject of a slew of trade rumors already.
Breslow's first trade deadline as CBO is a chance to get on the fans' good side. He could pull it off with his current plan, if ownership permits, of course.