he Boston Red Sox have quickly turned their season around after a rough stretch early in the year. They are now in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline and have some clear positions to address.
Red Sox starters have produced a 4.03 ERA on the season. Garrett Crochet has been phenomenal this year, but the rest of the rotation lacks consistency. The team could target starting pitchers this month.
In addition to the starting rotation, the team may be interested in an upgrade at first base. However, Craig Breslow recently noted that first base may not be as big a need as the team is pleased with Abraham Toro and Romy González’s production there, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports predicted the team would address both needs at the trade deadline by adding Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins and Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale revealed that the Diamondbacks are making Naylor available. He is going to be a free agent after the season and is projected to sign a five-year, $100 million deal. He was an All-Star last season and has an .817 OPS this year. He could slot in as the everyday first baseman for the team as it looks to continue its hot streak into the second half.
While Naylor could be gone after this season, Cabrera figures to be a long-term piece. He will not be a free agent until 2029, and has been great this year. He is having a career year, pitching to a 3.61 ERA for the Marlins. He could slot in behind Crochet in the rotation. He has made 16 starts, and his career high for starts in a season is 20.
His club control would make him an expensive addition. However, the Marlins could look to cash in while his value is high. He is projected to earn a five-year, $63 million deal when he hits the open market, and the Marlins likely know they will not pay him.
Additionally, Breslow has noted that adding a starter could have a positive effect on their bullpen.
“You can never have too much pitching,” Breslow said per Cotillo. “Some of this is, as guys get healthy, talking about Tanner and (Hunter) Dobbins and (Richard) Fitts and (Kyle) Harrison, and how do we figure out who we want to keep built out as starting pitching depth and who we think might be a weapon in a multi-inning role out of the ‘pen.”
The Red Sox ended the first half with a 10-game win streak. Adding players like Naylor and Cabrera at the deadline would not only help them secure a postseason spot but would make them legitimate threats in the American League.
