Red Sox 2021 MLB Trade Deadline Preview
The Boston Red Sox could be gearing up for another World Series championship. Boston still sits in first place after the All-Star break, but it’s clear this roster is still a piece or two away from winning a title. A strong trade deadline could make or break this season. How aggressive will Chaim Bloom get during trade season? Here is your 2021 MLB Trade Deadline preview for the Boston Red Sox.
Red Sox acquire Anthony Rizzo
Cubs acquire Michael Chavis
Rizzo is a pure rental so he’s not going to cost an arm and a leg. Chavis’ stock is down right now. As a former first round pick with plus power, Chavis is an interesting player. He just can’t hit fastballs and may never be able to adjust. Still, that’s the kind of gamble you take if you’re the Cubs looking to rebuild.
The truth of the matter is, Bobby Dalbec has been brutal. He’s striking out 37% of the time and is a -1.2 WAR player on the season. Things seem to be taking a turn for the worse the longer the season goes along. The dude is now dropping routine balls at first base. Boston cannot go into the postseason with Dalbec as the every day first baseman.
Maybe he develops down the road but that time is not now. Send him down to Worcester and bring in a veteran leader like Rizzo. The Cubs’ first baseman fits this team perfectly. A proven gold glove winner that can mash from the left side. It’s time to bring Rizzo back home.
The back up options should include Trey Mancini, Jesus Aguilar, Joey Gallo, Dominic Smith (if they can get creative)
The rest of the lineup should be considered set. Yes, you can maybe get a little richer by trading for a utility like Adam Frazier, but I’m not sure that makes sense. I think Alex Cora likes having Marwin Gonzalez on the roster despite the fact that he hasn’t been productive. With the call up of Jarren Duran, trading for an outfielder also probably doesn’t make sense.
The best way to fix the offense is to find a productive player at first base. Boston doesn’t need a long term fix with Triston Casas on the way. They just need a short term fix. A guy like Rizzo does just that.
Boston probably needs another starter. José Berríos is probably the pipe dream but I’m not sure the Twins are going to trade any of their controllable pieces, unfortunately. The Sox are in a really tricky spot. Tanner Houck can really pitch. Chris Sale is coming back. Nathan Eovaldi was an All-Star. Nick Pivetta is somehow really trustworthy. As weird as it sounds, I’m not sure the Sox really need a starter.
Boston has too many guys. Weirdly enough, they have only used six different starters all year. Martín Pérez has done okay but all of his advanced numbers suggest he’s getting away with smoke and mirrors (which is accurate). Garrett Richards has been a disaster since the sticky stuff ban. He’s really the only guy that has taken a turn of the worse.
The Sox are right up against the tax. This probably isn’t the year to blow by it. That would be next year. You would almost have to move Richards in a deal to acquire a starter which probably isn’t feasible. It’s a really tricky spot because the rotation is already past full and money is tight. Actually, the entire 40 man roster has become pretty full in reality. Oh, and Chris Sale is coming back.
Some other names to consider include Jon Gray, Pablo Lopez, Zach Davies, Danny Duffy.
You can never have too many relievers. Matt Barnes, Darwinzon Hernandez, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura, Garrett Whitlock, and Josh Taylor should all be considered trustworthy at this point. Brandon Workman, Yacksel Rios, and Matt Andriese are not so trustworthy. Boston does have Ryan Brasier on the IL but who knows when he’s coming back.
Maybe it’s even a minor upgrade like Daniel Hudson. Maybe it’s a major splash like Richard Rodriguez. The only thing that is clear is that Craig Kimbrel is probably off the table. Go get one more.
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