The trade deadline looms, and in the coming weeks, clearer insights will emerge on whether teams are opting to buy or sell. In recent coverage, I’ve focused on teams willing to consider trades across their rosters. If you missed any of those articles, you can find them linked below. Now, attention turns to teams still undecided. Many of these clubs arguably should sell, but the expanded playoffs have fostered hope across the league, with a few exceptions. Notably, the American League boasts more teams above .500 than the National League, influencing borderline teams to possibly shift focus to next season.
One such team is the Boston Red Sox. Currently holding a 39-35 record, they trail the Twins by 2.0 games for the final Wild Card spot. They will strive over the next six weeks, but they aren’t positioned to contend for a World Series, despite several players who might attract interest, including familiar faces for Alex Anthopoulos. Tyler O’Neill, despite injuries since his 2021 NL MVP candidacy, has thrived since joining Boston, swatting 14 homers in just 49 games with an .888 OPS. If the Red Sox make him available, he’ll draw numerous suitors given his contract’s impending expiry and modest prospect cost.
Looking ahead, the Braves, particularly needing outfield upgrades, could eye O’Neill. While unlikely to pursue a frontline starter due to limited prospect resources, someone like Nick Pivetta, versatile as a starter or reliever, fits their needs. Additionally, the Red Sox may offer Kenley Jansen, who’s excelled with a 2.70 ERA and 2.12 FIP this season after joining from the Braves. Chris Martin, despite a current 4.22 ERA, offers past dominance and bullpen depth potential before the trade deadline.
The Boston Red Sox, with a current record of 39-35, find themselves trailing the Twins by 2.0 games for the final Wild Card spot. While they will push forward in the coming six weeks, their prospects for contending in the World Series are slim. Nonetheless, they possess several players who could attract interest, including familiar figures for Alex Anthopoulos. Tyler O’Neill, despite injury setbacks since his 2021 NL MVP-worthy campaign, has impressed since joining Boston, hitting 14 home runs in just 49 games with an .888 OPS. Should the Red Sox make him available, he is expected to garner significant attention due to his expiring contract and reasonable acquisition cost.
Looking ahead, the Braves, particularly in need of outfield improvements, may have their sights set on O’Neill. Limited in their ability to pursue top-tier starting pitchers due to scarce prospect resources, they may instead target someone like Nick Pivetta, who offers versatility as both a starter and reliever. Additionally, the Red Sox could offer Kenley Jansen, who has excelled with a 2.70 ERA and 2.12 FIP this season since joining from the Braves. Chris Martin, despite his current 4.22 ERA, brings past effectiveness and bullpen depth, making him a viable option before the trade deadline.
