It wasn’t the best opening weekend for the Boston Red Sox, with their offense failing to do much against an above-average Texas Rangers pitching staff. The Red Sox scored a combined 11 runs in four games, and despite their staff doing everything they could, Boston walked out of its trip to Arlington with a 1-3 record.
Something has to change. There are a few players the Red Sox could explore on the trade market over the next few weeks to months. The trade deadline should give them a better indication of where things stand. Still, if the Red Sox want to make a move now to avoid falling too deep into the loaded American League East hole, they could explore the Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman.
According to Bob Nightingale of USA Today, the Orioles are open to trading Ryan Mountcastle, who has struggled at times. “The Baltimore Orioles are letting teams know that first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is available in a potential trade to clear a spot for Coby Mayo,” Nightengale wrote. Mountcastle has posted a career 113 OPS+, but his power numbers, outside of 2021, have left much to be desired.
Mountcastle could be better in a smaller park like Fenway, and that’s what Boston would have to hope for. Any trade involving the Red Sox and Orioles would be intriguing. Both have two top farm systems in Major League Baseball, but the Orioles could use a few more trade pieces heading into the deadline in July.
If the Red Sox are willing to part ways with any decent prospects for Mountcastle, this could benefit both sides.