Not knowing the real status, future and abilities of some of the minor leaguers moved on by Dave D., I will say there isn't someone I wish we had today. On this list of 13 acquisitions, Kimbrel is the only high achiever. Nunez has paid dividends and will continue as long as Pedroia is MIA ; Pomeranz is still a possible asset as it gets into the second half but definitely m,ore a question than an answer. Thornburg, who knows, probably learn more in July or later ; Carson Smith, a proven idiot , not in a funny way. In fact, self inflicted tantrum injuries should relieve the team of having to pay his salaryfor the duration.
Overall, DD has not traded for to obtain big production except Kimbrel . Pomeranz had a nice 2017 but no carryover, Nunez is still a useful utility guy, Smith is a jerk, and Thornburg is an unknown quantity. You can say that Pomeranz, Thornburg and Smith (nitwit) all came with arm issues, some of which are not yet cleared up, as well as new ones from the same guys.
The one criticism has been Travis Shaw's awakening in Milwaukee, but what would they have done with Devers besides leave him in Pawsox land for another year or so, and Travis was not tearing up the AL East at the time. i do think Dd has some work cut out before the deadline and will move two or more guys from the current 40 man roster to shore up one or more positions up the middle.