The Red Sox are reportedly targeting a high-profile addition at the trade deadline, with one ESPN insider suggesting they're "going big" to bolster their roster.
Jeff Passan of ESPN believes the team is considering a number of high-profile moves, including acquiring shortstops like Otto Lopez from the Marlins, Bobby Witt, Jr. from the Royals, or Jeremy Pena from the Astros. "They could try to convince Houston to move Jeremy Pena, even as the Astros try to win now, or wheedle CJ Abrams from Washington," Passan said.
The Red Sox are likely to need a significant boost to their offense, particularly after a recent report highlighted the importance of a team's ability to "mash" in order to succeed in the playoffs. Since 2020, 24 teams have reached the League Championship Series, and on average, those teams have ranked sixth in regular-season runs per game.
The Red Sox bullpen has been a strong point for the team, thanks in part to the emergence of Tyron Guerrero. Guerrero's control has been a key factor in his success, with a 3% walk rate that's made him a valuable asset in the late innings.
However, the Red Sox's current roster still presents challenges, and the team may need to make some significant moves to genuinely contend. The regular season ends in just eight weeks, which could make it difficult for the team to integrate any new players into their lineup.
One player who may be able to help the team out of the gate is Curtis Mead, who has been given a "tentative" timeline of 6-8 weeks to recover from a fractured wrist. However, the regular season ends just eight weeks from Sunday, which could make it difficult for Mead to contribute significantly before the end of the season.
The Red Sox are reportedly exploring a number of options to bolster their roster, but it remains to be seen which players they'll ultimately pursue. With the trade deadline just around the corner, the team will need to act quickly to make any significant moves.
Source: Yahoo Sports