Even if there is a little work to do, all of the latest Boston Red Sox trade rumors in 2022 indicate that the team will be a buyer at the deadline and attempt to make a playoff push.
But with the AL East crown out of the question and the Wild Card race crowded, it won’t be easy.
The Red Sox trade deadline needs to be a busy one with Boston likely having to pursue some of the best players at the MLB trade deadline if they’re going to make the postseason.
Red Sox trade rumors 2022
But who will be the Red Sox trade targets at the deadline? The latest Red Sox trade rumors in 2022 indicate multiple needs on the roster, which could complicate things.
Boston will have to figure out its top priorities ahead of the deadline.
Since things could get a little complicated, let’s take a closer look at the Red Sox trade deadline needs and the Red Sox trade targets who could make the biggest impact in Boston’s postseason quest.
Bullpen
The Boston bullpen has been a bit of a disaster this season. The Red Sox have five different relievers with multiple saves while some of their more frequently used relievers like Ryan Brasier, Jake Diekman, and Garrett Whitlock have less than stellar ERAs.
While there have been a few bright spots, this is an area where the Red Sox need to do some serious work, likely acquiring multiple relievers.
The good news is that there is never a shortage of relievers available at the deadline, including this year. Veteran David Robertson of the Cubs will surely be available and would provide some stability for the Boston bullpen.
His teammate Mychal Givens could also be an asset, especially since he has experience inside the AL East. The Tigers have a variety of options, including Gregory Soto, Michael Fulmer, and Andrew Chafin. The Rockies have a couple of options in Daniel Bard and Alex Colome while Oakland’s Lou Trivino will surely be available for the right price.
Rotation
Coming out of the all-star break, the Boston rotation is in rough shape with Chris Sale, Michael Wacha, Rich Hill, and Josh Winckowski all on the IL. As a result, many of the Red Sox trade rumors in 2022 will involve starting pitchers.
The Red Sox have already had to dig deep into their depth and use some relievers as starters, so finding one or two starters at the deadline would be ideal. Obviously, adding a frontline starter would be the most helpful, but even finding some mid-rotation or back-end starters could go a long way toward keeping the Red Sox in the playoff picture.
Among the top starters available are Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Frankie Montas, and Martin Perez. If the Red Sox can land any of those four, it would be a huge coup for Boston.
Noah Syndergaard, Jose Quintana, and Chad Kuhl are also names to watch, as each would be an upgrade for the Boston rotation, especially considering the injuries the Red Sox are dealing with right now.
Madison Bumgarner is another pitcher who could be available and a fit for the Red Sox, although Boston would have to take on a little bit of money and the remainder of his contract. However, any starter the injury-riddled Red Sox can add right now would be a positive step forward, so veterans who are past their prime like Michael Pineda, Zack Greinke, and Drew Smyly could all be on Boston’s radar.
First Base
Despite having a few standout offensive players in the middle of their lineup, the Red Sox could use a little more offense, especially considering some of their shortcomings on the mound. First base appears to be the most likely position where the Red Sox could look for an upgrade.
The tandem of Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero has provided a little bit of power but not enough overall production. Both are hitting just a smidge over .200 with an OBP under .300. Even with injuries hurting them at other positions, the Red Sox should seriously consider their options on the trade market at first base.
Josh Bell is undoubtedly the most likely option at first base. He’s having a great season and would only be a rental, making him a little more affordable in a trade.
Trey Mancini is another option, although the Orioles may not want to trade him now that they’re in playoff contention, especially to a division rival. Dominic Smith is another possibility, although he’s currently on the IL and hasn’t had a good season offensively because he hasn’t been playing regularly with the Mets.
The likes of Christian Walker, Miguel Sano, and Hunter Dozier could also be on Boston’s radar depending on how urgent the Red Sox view their need at first base.
Outfield
Finally, the Red Sox have not gotten the outfield production from their outfield that they would have liked.
At times, Alex Verdugo and Rob Refsnyder have contributed, but Jackie Bradley Jr. has had a disappointing year offensively, Jarren Duran hasn’t provided enough of a lift since coming up, and Enrique Hernandez is unavailable due to injury.
Adding multiple outfielders wouldn’t be such a bad thing, so Boston figures to need at least one outfielder before the deadline.
Former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi might be the best option. Either he or Verdugo would have to move to center field, but he would be an immediate upgrade for Boston’s outfield.
The same would apply to David Peralta, who is another obvious trade option. Ian Happ, Bryan Reynolds, and Ramon Laureano could also make an immediate difference in Boston’s outfield, giving the Red Sox a better option in center field, although all could be a little more expensive. With the Red Sox only in the running for a Wild Card spot, they may not be willing to pay a high price on the trade market.
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