Matthew Lenz

Yesterday, it was rumored that the Boston Red Sox were looking for a right-handed bat to improve their lineup. It seems that one of the players they may look to move to make this happen could be backstop Connor Wong. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic is reporting that the Red Sox are "shopping" Wong, who has some depth at catcher with Carlos Narvaez and Mickey Gasper also on the 40-man roster. Wong has been solid, yet unspectacular this year, slashing .247/.305/.377 this year with 0 home runs and a stolen base. While those numbers are roughly league average (99 wRC+), the lack of power (.111 ISO) really mitigates any impact in the lineup. Moreover, he profiles has a below average (or worse) catcher behind the plate and it really makes you wonder what kind of value Wong has on the market. However, a team doesn't have to look back more than a couple of years to his 2024 breakout to see some potential in a guy who has two years of team control beyond 2026. It's also worth noting that McCaffrey says the Red Sox have received calls on some bullpen arms: Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, and Justin Slaten. However, she reports that they currently have "no interest in dealing anyone from that bullpen trio." In other words, it's too early to label yourself a seller (and the Red Sox are very much in the Wild Card race). Do you think the Red Sox can get anything for Connor Wong? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

Despite being nine games under .500, the Boston Red Sox are looking to improve their lineup for a second-half push to the postseason. Although they currently sit 11 games out of the division lead, they are just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot in the Wild Card race. Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that the Red Sox "are looking to add a right-handed bat and willing to spend money to do it." The Red Sox have had one of the worst lineups this year in large part due to some of their right-handed bats, such as Caleb Durbin, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Connor Wong (albeit the sample is small), and Trevor Story. Of course, it's not likely that they will find a solution to their woes at this juncture in the season. The hot stove has its pilot light on, but it has yet to ignite. Moreover, since the Wild Card expanded to three teams, it takes longer for teams to determine their path and buyers and sellers, and there are typically fewer teams willing to sell. Who do you think the Red Sox should pursue? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

Finally, we reach the top 5 Boston Red Sox prospects as ranked by the contributors at Talk Sox. Does Payton Tolle or Connelly Early claim the top spot? Who else joins them in the top 5? That and more in this video! Discussed in this video are Juan Valera, Kyson Witherspoon, Franklin Arias, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle. View full video

As we enter the top 10 Boston Red Sox prospects as voted on by the contributors at Talk Sox, we look at where Marcus Phillips lands. What is Justin Gonzales's long-term outlook? That and more on the prospects in the 6 through 10 range! Discussed in this video are prospects Anthony Eyanson, Marcus Phillips, Dorian Soto, Justin Gonzales, and Mikey Romero. View full video

Next in Talk Sox prospect rankings, we look at the group in the 11 through 15 range. What is Jake Bennett's upside? What position will Henry Godbout call home in the long run? These questions and more are answered in this video! Discussed in this video are prospects Yoeilin Cespedes, Henry Godbout, Johanfran Garcia, Jake Bennett, and Miguel Bleis. View full video

The contributors at Talk Sox have ranked their top 20 prospects, and in this video, we look at the 16-20 ranked prospects. Will Tyler Uberstine crack the top 20? Where will Conrad Cason fall? Tune in to find out! Discussed in this video are Conrad Cason, Nelly Taylor, Tyler Uberstine, Yophery Rodriguez, and Yoeilin Cespedes. View full video

The Boston Red Sox are hoping to get a boost to their pitching staff late in the season, just in time for the playoffs. Whether that will be in the form of a starter or reliever remains to be seen; however, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald provided an injury update on the former staff Ace. She reports that Tanner Houck "starts a throwing program next week and is hoping to contribute in September." Having received Tommy John surgery at the beginning of August 2025, that timeline would put him roughly 13 months removed from the procedure. However, even when pictures are cleared to return, it can typically take two to three months for them to fully recover. While returning in September 2026 is a reasonable goal, don't be surprised if we don't see Houck until 2027. Houck, 30, has two more years of team control before entering free agency. While there was some uncertainty whether the Red Sox would tender him a contract this offseason, the right-hander was once the ace of the rotation and looked to be one of the better pitchers in baseball after he broke out in 2024. Across 80 big league starts, Houck has a 4.13 ERA (3.79 FIP) and a passable 14.3% K-BB rate. This will be a storyline to follow, especially as the trade deadline approaches. Depending on the state of the team, will the Red Sox pursue pitching help, or will they be relying on Houck to contribute in September and in the playoffs? Let us know what you think in the comments! View full rumor

Before acquiring Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, and a comp B pick, the Boston Red Sox had their sights set on a different player to fill their infield needs. Sean McAdam of MassLive wrote the following: "With Marte off the market, the Red Sox, according to an industry source, took several tries at obtaining Zach Neto from the Los Angeles Angels". He added that "Neto could have moved [off shortstop] to either second or third for the time being until Trevor Story’s deal was up." However, the Halos "set a very high bar" to acquire Neto. Neto, 25, played 128 games in 2025, carrying a .793 OPS with 26 home runs and swiping 26 bags. In two plus years in the big leagues, Neto has now posted a 115 wRC+ or better in back-to-back seasons. However, his -6 Outs Above Average indicates that shortstop may not be his best position long term, but that the hot corner or keystone, in fact, are better defensive spots for the righty. Do you think the Red Sox made the right move in acquiring Durbin instead of giving up what it took for Neto? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor