The Boston Red Sox will almost assuredly be buying at this year's trade deadline as they sit right outside the AL Wild Card picture and figure to only get better with Alex Bregman back in the lineup every day. They have a few injury reinforcements on the way as well.
If anything, fans could see a hybrid approach from Boston. A little bit of buying, a little bit of roster clearing. It's evident they need pitching, and they have an outfield logjam, so there's a lane for Craig Breslow to make them stronger.
Is there a chance they just started doing some housekeeping to accomodate a future acquisition? Before Tuesday night's game against the Twins, Boston optioned Richard Fitts back to Triple-A after his Monday outing and recalled Cooper Criswell.
On the surface, it seems as if the Sox are prioritizing short-term bullpen help after Fitts only went four innings in the loss to Minnesota. And who better than Criswell to eat innings in the meantime before the Sox upgrade the rotation and bullpen? Fitts isn't long for the active roster if the Sox wish to contend in 2025, and Criswell is arguably on his last leg as a member of the organization.
Red Sox option Richard Fitts and have recalled Cooper Criswell
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) July 29, 2025
Additionally, the Sox released Austin Adams and Brendan Cellucci — two pitchers who were with Triple-A — and transferred Zack Kelly's rehab to Worcester. Kelly hasn't pitched since June, and it's quite possible he's stashed at Triple-A for as long as possible.
Right now, on the active roster, Criswell should probably be replaced. They can certainly upgrade over Chris Murphy. And Aroldis Chapman is dealing with back spasms. Clearing a roster spot at Triple-A and telegraphing a couple more at the MLB level might give fans an idea of what Breslow is up to.
Red Sox released Austin Adams and Brendan Cellucci.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 29, 2025
Zack Kelly’s rehab transferred to Worcester.
The Sox have also been linked to pitchers Mitch Keller, Dylan Cease and Joe Ryan, to name a few, ahead of the trade deadline. They're currently down a starter, too, with Fitts being sent down, so there's a spot for the taking in the rotation.
For now, though, we have to wait and see who blinks first in trade conversations across the league. A couple of AL East rivals got the party started on the bullpen front Tuesday evening, so perhaps that opens up the floodgates with just under 48 hours to go.