I am a believer in Chaim Bloom. If I’m not going to get the job, then Bloom is the right man to guide the Red Sox through their rebuild. We knew 5 games in the Red Sox were going to become sellers in 2020. While I didn’t love the first trade they made, the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline should be considered a success for the Red Sox.
Boston made 3 significant trades during the deadline. The first being the Mitch Moreland trade. Boston was able acquire Hudson Potts and Jeisson Rosario for Moreland. Potts is a corner infielder with some raw power and Rosario profiles as an on base speedy center fielder.
Rosario and Potts move to 16 and 20 respectively on the Sox prospect list. Personally, it’s a no brainer move. Pick up two notable prospects for Mitch Moreland who’s playing out of his mind and hasn’t proven he’s more than league average long term. I like the move. It’s a matter of finding a place for them.
The Sox really don’t have many open spots in the lineup. Boston needs pitching. Both Potts and Rosario could be moved later. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter. They just need to be able to play and prove they are worthy assets.
We don’t have a ton of deal for the Josh Osich trade but it’s a miracle Bloom got anything. Osich was a waiver claim in the offseason. Thus far, he’s posted a 5.74 ERA in 15 2/3 innings. The guy is literal trash. Somehow, Bloom got a PTBNL. Because of the rules this year, we don’t know who that prospect is but the fact that Bloom got anything is a W.
Last but not least, Bloom snagged a really good deal for Kevin Pillar. I’ll be the first to admit, Pillar is my kind of guy. He’s defense first and grinded his way to the bigs as a no name prospect. Pillar has worked for everything he has. The reality is, Pillar isn’t a future piece at 31 years old.
Bloom was able to acquire a PTBNL and international bonus pool money for Pillar. That’s a huge get. Each team has a limited number of cash you’re able to spend for teenage international free agents. That’s how Boston has guys like Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers. Getting more pool money allows you to buy more players increasing the chances you find another Bogaerts. To get that for Pillar who is a rental is an enormous win.
Chaim Bloom didn’t make a ton of moves but the moves he did were a step in the right direction. Bloom has shown he knows what he’s doing. It’s going to take some time to rebuild the pitching depth in the organization but based on how good the Rays are right now, Bloom is the best man for the job.
