Three Potential moves the Red Sox could make at the trade deadline
Similar to last season, the Red Sox seem to be right in the middle of things. They do not seem to be concrete buyers or sellers. With Chaim Bloom’s fourth trade deadline coming up, similar to last year, and the direction of the team still very vague, it is unclear the path Bloom will take in regards to the July deadline. Here are three moves and scenarios the Red Sox could make before the trade deadline.
Red Sox trade Adam Duvall, James Paxton, and Kiké Hernandez for one or two middling AAA pitching prospects.
Why: These players are all on one-year deals, and they seem to not be a part of the future of the Red Sox. One may be thinking that the last things the Sox need are more middling prospects. However, a team can never have too much pitching, especially in the minor leagues. If the Red Sox want to build long-term sustainability, they need a good source of young guys. Outside of Shane Drohan, the pitching depth in AAA seems to be very thin. A couple of additions to the AAA roster could be nice, and it could help them if their goal is to make a run in 2024.
Red Sox trade the players mentioned above, plus Alex Verdugo, Justin Turner, and Kenley Jansen.
Why: This would be one of the riskiest moves in the tenure of Chaim Bloom due to the amount of shuffling and roster changes. Although Alex Verdugo has one more year of control, the Tampa Bay way has always been selling high on players who are arbitration eligible and getting solid returns for said player. Wash, rinse, repeat. Plus, if the Red Sox are willing to commit to Jarren Duran long-term, the Red Sox outfield would be all left-handed hitters. Verdugo got very hot in the first month of the year, but has since regressed down to earth, maybe a little better than previous years. Point being that Verdugo has not made that next step in development. Maybe it is time they sell high and get solid prospects in return. In terms of Turner and Jansen, although they are in the books for next season, the Red Sox got to at least take calls. If they get an offer they cannot resist and have no intentions of being competitive next season (which seems very unlikely), they should pull the trigger and clear house. Maybe they could get other major league ready players in return. Do not rule this scenario out.
Red Sox trade prospects for a front-end rotation arm like Dylan Cease.
Why: Like mentioned above, teams can never have too much pitching. The Sox have a group of young guys who are developing into young studs in the starting rotation. However, the Sox could still use an ace not named Chris Sale. A young ace like Dylan Cease could be ideal because he has two years of control left, and the White Sox could be mega sellers this year at the deadline. If he is available, other teams would be likely placing their own bids, but the Sox have some prospects they can afford to move. They could move Nick Yorke, who is having a great year in AA Portland. Although injury riddled, Bryan Mata could have some value (hard to see he has much but who knows how other teams see him). Maybe the Sox could move on from Ceddanne Rafaela. All possible options. Also, it is not the end of the world if the Red Sox acquire Cease and not make the playoffs, as the money available in the offseason can be spent elsewhere and towards other holes on the roster.
With fans eager to have meaningful baseball in August and September, this is a big spot for Chaim Bloom to not mess up the deadline this year. Last year was a total disaster. Bloom seems to be less inclined to make a big splash due to the return of Trevor Story about a month away. This deadline could show fans what the direction of the team really is. It will be interesting nonetheless, but there is still lots of baseball left to be played and things could change very quickly.
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Need a section for those who need to be jettisoned into the Sun.