Boston Red Sox: Three trade chips to watch at the deadline

Brandon Workman

A solid reliever from 2017 through 2019, Brandon Workman has been a disaster as the Boston Red Sox closer this season.

In the three years prior, he had developed into a solid reliever. He had posted a 2.59 ERA and a 1.127 WHiP in his 152.2 innings, striking out 178 batters while issuing 72 walks. Workman had served in a variety of roles, eventually becoming the Red Sox closer down the stretch in 2019, when he notched 16 saves.

This season has been a different story. Perhaps it is due to the Red Sox own struggles in the standings, but Workman has not been the same pitcher. He has allowed three runs on eight hits and four walks in 5.2 innings, striking out seven. Those are not the numbers of a lockdown reliever.

But it is possible that a change of scenery, and a potential move to a contending team, would work wonders. Workman would not necessarily be needed to close on another team, but he could be a respectable setup man or a middle reliever. Pitching is always needed at the trade deadline, and in a year where so many teams will make the postseason, Workman could be in demand, especially if he shows signs of turning his season around.

Brandon Workman has not pitched well for the Boston Red Sox, but that does not mean he would not generate offers. If he shows signs of life, his track record could bring back a solid prospect or two.