The current iteration of the Boston Red Sox likely won't compete in the Fall Classic. Yet, if they make the right trade deadline moves, they could get there.
The Red Sox kicked off the second half of the season with a bang, cementing themselves in the AL Wild Card race with an impressive winning streak. Boston, which were leaning towards selling at the trade deadline, now could do the opposite.
While Adam Duvall remains likely to be traded, Justin Turner and Alex Verdugo aren't going anywhere. Boston has a high asking price for James Paxton, as the starting pitching market has exceeded their wildest dreams.
However, these are relatively small decisions. If the Sox really want to compete for a postseason spot and make a run, they should swing big.
Red Sox should trade for David Bednar
Boston hasn't been floated as a possible David Bednar destination of yet, but it's clear the Red Sox are lacking a force in the back end of their bullpen. Bednar would cost an arm and a leg, but Bloom has the prospects to make such a trade happen. Perhaps the Pirates would even be willing to add in Rich Hill for the right return.
Bednar is under contract through the 2025 season, so the Sox would have their closer in tow for at least the next 2.5 years, if not more. That's worth going all-in for.
As Scott Neville of Sports Illustrated pointed out, a Boston deal for Bednar would significantly alter their competitive timeline:
"Admittedly, Bednar certainly will go for a higher asking price than the Red Sox would ideally be seeking but Bednar could be a lockdown reliever in Boston for years to come, possibly the next decade.
The odds of Bednar actually being dealt with three more full seasons of team control are unlikely, and the odds of Boston being seriously involved are even lower but he would alter the franchise's outlook for this season and beyond."
if this is truly the case, then what's the point of waiting?
Red Sox should trade for Mitch Keller
Yes, this trade is a little farfetched, but the Red Sox should at least call about Pirates ace Mitch Keller. The Bucs are listening to offers on Keller, though the asking price is said to be astronomically high. As is the case with Bednar, Boston would have to be willing to go out of their comfort zone to make a deal happen.
Keller was on fire leading up to the All-Star Break, making the National League All-Star team in the process. The second half started with a lull for Keller, who had some Pirates fans questioning whether he truly was their ace of the future, and worth a contract extension in the years to come. In his last start against the Phillies, Keller settled down some, throwing 5.2 innings and giving up just two runs. Finally, he's back on track.
It's no secret that the Sox are lacking starting pitching. Keller would solve that issue, and if the Pirates were willing to throw in Rich Hill, Boston could gain some depth at a position of weakness as well.
Red Sox should trade for Eduardo Rodriguez
Is it safe to say the Red Sox gave up on Eduardo Rodriguez too soon?
Rodriguez still has three years left on his contract, but he can opt out after the season, thus making him a rental in name only. If the 6 p.m. ET deadline nears and Detroit has yet to find a suitor for E-Rod, they may get desperate. Scott Harris hasn't been through this before, and is inclined to trade away both Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen to jumpstart the Tigers rebuild.
This is where Boston comes in. Lorenzen made the AL All-Star team and has been on fire since the break. Rodriguez is pitching like an ace again since coming back from injury, and he's familiar with the Red Sox and Fenway Park. Even if only for the rest of this season, adding a player like Rodriguez is exactly what Boston needs to make a playoff run.
