Matthew Lenz

Rumors have been swirling the Boston Red Sox over the last few weeks. Some of the rumors had them as buyers and some of the rumors identified suitors if they were sellers. Alas, we've heard from the man himself what the plans at the deadline will be. In a sit down with Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Boston Red Sox chief baseball operator, Craig Breslow, stated "We want to improve the team. We want to find ways to bolster the group." In the article Breslow specifically discusses the preference to add a 1st basemen and/or to his pitching staff - considering both relievers and starters. Boston has been without Triston Casas for a majority of the season. In his absence, Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have put up middling numbers at the plate. On the other side of the ball, the Red Sox starting rotation has dealt with a myriad of injuries. There is a lot of uncertainty on whether those injured arms can impact the second half of the season. However, the bullpen has been one of the best in the league. While it may seem like a low priority, the importance of a deep bullpen is magnified in October - especially with so many questions surrounding the rotation. What should Breslow and the Red Sox prioritize at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

We don't know if the Red Sox will be buyers or sellers at the deadline, and it likely will depend on their performance over the next couple of weeks after the returns of Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman from injury. If they do decide to sell, it appears the San Diego Padres will be after one of their highest priced assets. Sean McAdam of MassLive is reporting that the San Diego Padres have been "relentless in their pursuit of the Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran. Duran, controlled through 2028, has put together a solid 2025 campaign for the Red Sox. In 94 games. He boasts a .752 OPS, supported by a .260 batting average and a .318 on-base percentage, including 8 home runs and 15 stolen bases. It's been a different story on the defensive side of the ball. Primarily playing left field, his defensive metrics show a Fielding Run Value of -5 and Outs Above Average of -5. Regardless, he'll fetch a good return if he is dealt. If they're sellers, should the Red Sox deal Duran or keep him part of a core who could help get the team back on track over the next few years? Join the conversation in the comments!

The Red Sox are getting healthy at just the right time. Yesterday, Mastaka Yoshida made his season debut going 3-4 with a double, RBI, and run scored. Now, Chris Cotillo of MassLive is reporting that the Boston Red Sox will activate third baseman Alex Bregman ahead of Friday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. In his first season with the club, Bregman has lived up to his superstar label. Through 51 games, he boasts an impressive .938 OPS, fueled by a .385 on-base percentage and a .553 slugging percentage. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs, while also scoring 32 runs. It's just the push the Red Sox may need to become buyers at the upcoming deadline. For what it's worth, Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently reported that the Red Sox might look to move the gold glove third baseman if the team cannot reach an extension ahead of the trade deadline. Do you think Yoshida and Bregman will boost the club into buyer mode over the next couple of weeks? Join the conversation in the comments!

We don't know whether the Boston Red Sox will buy or sell at the end of the month, but there is no shortage of rumors going in either direction. If they are looking to buy then their starting rotation will likely be one of their top priorities, if not THE top priority.. Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that Joe Ryan is being monitored "by a number of teams" and specifically names the Red Sox as a potential suitor. Ryan, 29, is having an impressive 2025 season. Through 18 games (17 starts), he boasts a strong 2.76 ERA over 104.1 innings pitched. His FIP stands at 3.25, suggesting his excellent ERA is well-supported by his underlying metrics. Ryan has maintained a high strikeout rate with 116 strikeouts against just 21 walks, resulting in an excellent strikeout-minus-wall rate of 23.4% He's consistently limited walks, contributing to a stellar 0.89 WHIP - third best in all of baseball. Despite all of that, he was not elected to the MLB All-Star game. He is controllable through the 2027 season. What approach do you think the Red Sox should take at the upcoming trade deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

It's been a long time coming. Finally, Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida is close to returning to the lineup. Multiple reports are indicating this could happen as soon as Monday, July 14th. Yoshida's 2024 season saw him play in 108 games for the Red Sox. He posted an OPS of .765, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 56 RBIs. He also scored 45 runs. Yoshida's 2024 campaign was impacted by injuries. He battled a thumb injury and also dealt with defensive limitations. He's missed all of 2025 due to a right shoulder labrum tear, which required offseason surgery. There is a bit of a log jam in the outfield and at designated hitter, so what role do you see Yoshida playing for the Red Sox? Join the conversation in the comments!

It remains unclear whether the Boston Red Sox will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, but Jim Bowden of The Athletic is reporting that the Boston Red Sox "would like to" extend Alex Bregman or trade him at the deadline. Bowden goes on to suggest the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers as potential landing spots for the superstar third basemen, if he is dealt. Through 51 games, he boasts an impressive .938 OPS, fueled by a .385 on-base percentage and a .553 slugging percentage. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs, while also scoring 32 runs. He signed a 3-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox in February 2025 with opt outs at the end of each season. If the Red Sox are in fact buyers, he likes them to target Emmanuel class of the Cleveland Guardians or Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Do you think the Boston Red Sox should buy or sell at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

The Boston Red Sox announced a trio of moves on Tuesday, including selecting reliever Isaiah Campbell from Triple-A Worcester. To make room for Campbell on the 40-man, they transferred Liam Hendriks to the 60-day IL. To make room on the active roster, they optioned Richard Fitts to Triple-A Worcester. Campbell's 2024 season with the Red Sox was limited due to injuries, including a shoulder impingement and elbow inflammation. He pitched in 8 MLB games, recording a 0-1 record with a 16.20 ERA and 2.40 WHIP over 6.2 innings, striking out 6. He also had a stint in Triple-A Worcester, with a 2.20 ERA in 14 appearances. Campbell has spent all of the 2025 season with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, primarily operating out of the bullpen. In 30 relief appearances he has a 3.89 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and a 12.7% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He will join the low- to -medium- leverage group of the Red Sox bullpen.

It's been a rough week for the Boston Red Sox on the injury front, but the most recent rumor from Tim Healey of the Boston Globe is relatively good news all else considered. While it's not a strong proclamation by any means, Healey reported that superstar third baseman, Alex Bregman, is "open to any conversation" regarding his future with the club. Bregman, who is represented by Scott Boras, signed a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-out chances after each season. He's lived up to the hype in the first half of his first season with the club carrying a .938 OPS and 11 home runs resulting in a 158 wRC+, making it likely he opts out if an extension is not reached. What would you offer Bregman if he's willing to lock in to a long term deal? Join the conversation in the comments!

The Boston Red Sox continue to receive bad news regarding starting pitcher Kutter Crawford who was dealing with worst pain earlier this month. Now, Tim Healey of the Boston Globe is reporting that the 29 year old need wrist surgery and is "likely done for the year". It's a frustrating development for Crawford who started the season dealing with soreness in the patellar tendon of his right knee. He had previously been placed on the 60-day IL where he is expected fo stay for the majority and maybe now the entirety of the 2025 season. It's another tough blow to the Red Sox struggling rotation - a position group they'll need to bolster at the trade deadline if they intend to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season. With bad news continuing to rain down on the season, should the Red Sox be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

We are a little over a month away from the trade deadline and reports are starting to fly on suggesting that the Boston Red Sox will look to address two positions of need. Despite dealing Rafael Devers and sitting six games back in the AL East, the Red Sox are planning on being "buyers" at the trade deadline. After the loss of Tristan Casas, the Red Sox haven't been able to find a productive solution at first base. At one point they were having Kristian Campbell take reps at first, but he's since been demoted due to poor performance. Now, Jon Heyman of the NY Post is now suggesting that the Red Sox could pursue Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks or Ryan O'Hearn of the Baltimore Orioles. In addition to first base, Heyman adds the need for a veteran starting pitcher to bolster the rotation. This week, the Red Sox lost Hunter Dobbins to the IL and got news of a setback in Kutter Crawford's rehab. Who would your trade deadline targets be at these positions?

Yet, another blow to the Boston Red Sox roster. Now, Hunter Dobbins has been placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow strain. In a corresponding move, the Res Sox have recalled Richard Fitts from Triple-A Worcester. When speaking to a pool of reporters on Sunday, Dobbins stated "Just some tightness that we’ve been grinding through for a little bit. It hasn’t been bouncing back how we would like, so [we’re] just trying to give it a couple for weeks." Dobbins has been serviceable in mostly a starter's capacity with a 4.10 ERA but a 3.85 FIP that suggests he's pitching better than his surface stats suggest. In 12 big-league appearances (10 starts) he has a lowly 10.8% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate, largely due to a lack of swing-and-miss type stuff. Fitts struggled in five starts with the team before hitting the IL with a shoulder injury in mid-April. In four starts with Worcester, he had a 4.20 ERA and a 10.6% K-BB rate. Do you think the Red Sox should add pitching between now and the trade deadline?

The Boston Red Sox continue to get bad news. Gordo of WEEI is now reporting that Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, Kutter Crawford, has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation program. Crawford has yet to make his 2025 debut, but did make a single rehab appearance for Triple-A Worcester about a month ago. Crawford, 29, was initially dealing with knee soreness when players convened for Spring Training. While rehabbing his knee, wrist pain developed and has led to him being sent to Boston for an MRI. It's unclear when the MRI will take place. The Red Sox middling rotation really needs to be bolstered and they're banking on Crawford's return as he lead the league in starts last year. Despite dealing Devers, the Red Sox plan on being buyers at the deadline and could add a starter that way if Crawford is going to be out for an extended period of time.

With the July 31st trade deadline looming on the horizon, urgency will begin to mount for many Major League Baseball teams. While some clubs are firmly entrenched in playoff contention and will be looking to bolster their rosters, there is a distinct group already facing the reality of a lost season. So, who are the likely sellers from the National League? What valuable assets might they put on the market, and how could the Boston Red Sox leverage these opportunities to their advantage? Let's delve into the teams poised to ignite the hot stove and the potential impact on the Red Sox playoff aspirations. Colorado Rockies The Rockies are on pace for all sorts of records — and not in a good way. They are currently on pace to win 45 ball games, which is barely more than the historically-futile 2024 Chicago White Sox. The Rockies don't have much in the form of rentals, with starters German Márquez (6.62 ERA) and Austin Gomber (just returned from a shoulder injury) the only expiring deals, but that's not to say they don't have trade chips. Most notably, I anticipate many teams will be calling about starter Kyle Freeland (controlled through 2026) and third baseman Ryan McMahon (controlled through 2027). Freeland’s surface numbers are heavily inflated by pitching in Coors. On the road, the lefty has a 3.64 ERA (3.31 FIP) and a 14.6% strikeout-minus-walk rate. In regard to McMahon, Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have already shown interest in the 30-year-old. Like Freeland, McMahon’s surface stats are also impacted by Coors — a .739 OPS overall drops by nearly 200 points on the road. Other less notable names that could be available are infielders Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer, who both have mutual options for 2026. Miami Marlins The Marlins are 15 games under .500 and well outside of the playoff picture. However, they are the youngest team in Major League Baseball, which makes it a challenge to know how much they're willing to sell. Kyle Stowers, Connor Norby, and Agustín Ramírez have all been great, but they're also in their pre-arbitration years. Would the rebuilding Marlins really sell what looks to be a solid core of hitters? I doubt it. On the other hand, starting pitchers Cal Quantrill (a free agent at season's end) and Sandy Alcántara (controllable through 2026) could be attractive “buy low” options at the deadline. Quantrill has an ERA-minus-FIP of 1.27 and Alcántara, a former Cy Young award winner, has underperformed his ERA by 2.43 runs. However, both have well below average strikeout-minus-walk rates, suggesting their upside might be limited with some tweaking of their pitch profiles. The Marlins have gotten some good production out of their bullpen from guys like Ronny Henriquez, Janson Junk, and Patrick Monteverde. While these guys are controllable, it would make sense for the Marlins to listen to offers on any relievers. Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates are in a race for second worst team in the NL with the Marlins. There's been (mostly sarcastic) speculation that they may trade starter Paul Skenes, but I don't think they will do that, at least for now. Instead, they have a few assets who will likely have a market over the next month and a half. There's already been rumors floating around regarding infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who has a solid (but empty) .714 OPS. Other solid players on expiring deals include outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham, as well as starter Andrew Heaney, and reliever Ryan Borucki. Aside from Borucki, whose peripherals suggest some positive regression, all of those players have been more than serviceable this season. However, the most valuable realistic trade chip is current closer David Bednar, who is controlled through the 2026 season. In 20 appearances, the righty has a 3.42 ERA, 2.14 FIP, and a 29.2% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He may end up being the most sought after reliever on the market. Red Sox Needs The Red Sox's path at the trade deadline remains uncertain, hinging on their performance over the next month. With a 39-37 record, they're on the cusp of a Wild Card spot, a testament to overcoming numerous injuries. This very resilience, coupled with the hope of returning players, might push them to be buyers. However, the Rafael Devers trade recent and rumors surrounding Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu suggest one of two things: they might trade offense for much-needed rotation help, as their starting pitching ranks in the bottom half of the league. they are leaning towards selling at the deadline. While reinforcements are returning at some point, they aren't game-changers. Given previous comments from Craig Breslow, I anticipate the Red Sox to be buyers at the deadline. Pairing up with any of the three teams discussed above could make a lot of sense. Should the Red Sox commit to buying, selling, or would standing pat be a better strategy?