The Boston Red Sox are trying to get back into a wide-open pennant race in the American League and a big factor will be what they decide to do at this year’s trade deadline. With a black hole at first base and a need for starters on the back end of their rotation, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow could be heading into the trade deadline looking to make a deal.
This makes some of MLB bottom feeders interesting conversation starters over the next two months and as the calendar flips to June, we’ve officially reached speculation season. One team in particular could interest the Red Sox ahead of the deadline and could provide an instant bullpen upgrade.
Dennis Santana Should Be a Red Sox Trade Target After Latest Pirates Report
USA’s Bob Nightengale dropped some intel on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ approach to the trade deadline as they entered Sunday’s action in last place in the National League Central with a 22-37 record. While Nightengale said that the Pirates are “fully rebuking” trade offers for ace Paul Skenes and outfielder Oneil Cruz, he mentioned that they are willing to listen to offers on the rest of their roster.
With a lost season in full swing, it makes sense for the Pirates to listen to offers on third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. But the Red Sox are covered at third base with Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers and their outfield move could be covered whenever they call up top prospect Roman Anthony. While the Red Sox would love to acquire a first baseman, Spencer Horowitz isn’t an upgrade but they do have some options in the bullpen.
One of the best targets could be right-hander Dennis Santana. The 29-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for the Pirates this season, posting a 1-1 record and a 1.48 ERA. He also has made positive developments this season including a 29.9% whiff rate and 5.4% walk rate that’s his lowest since his rookie season according to Baseball Savant.
Santana has some “buyer beware” aspects to him as he’s a journeyman that has pitched with five different teams. His two years in Pittsburgh have been the best of his career, however, posting a 2.10 ERA in 68.2 innings. While the Red Sox rank 11th with a 3.64 bullpen ERA and have Aroldis Chapman (1.96 ERA) on the back end of the bullpen, teams could always use another arm that takes pressure off the starting rotation.
While the Red Sox top priority is to find a bat (particularly at first base), they should be focused on making upgrades wherever they can, making Santana a trade target that’s worth making the call.
