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3 potential trade targets for Boston Red Sox

By David Hill |
Jun 5, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Trey Mancini (16) scores a run on Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (6) (not pictured) two run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Trey Mancini (16) scores a run on Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (6) (not pictured) two run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Red Sox appeared to be dead in the water. They were languishing in dead last in the AL East, far more likely to be looking to part ways with their impending free agents than to add players.

It is amazing at how quickly things change. While the Angels went into free fall, firing their manager and playing Nickelback in an attempt to end a 14 game skid, the Red Sox went on a tear. They are now over .500, in possession of a playoff berth, and are looking to continue their surge up the standings.

Three possible trade targets for Boston Red Sox

That does not mean that everything is perfect in Boston. The roster still has several holes, both this season and going forward. If the Red Sox are going to continue their push forward, they will need to find some replacements. However, in some areas, that may be easier said than done.

The Boston Red Sox need to find several upgrades as they look to continue their playoff push. Let’s take a look at three possible options.

Trey Mancini

Bobby Dalbec is supposed to be the long term answer at first base for the Boston Red Sox. And that may still be the case going forward.

However, that is not the case this season. Dalbec has produced a miserable .190/.275/.303 batting line in his 160 plate appearances heading into Friday, hitting five doubles and three homers. At this point, it is fair to wonder if he has compromising pictures of manager Alex Cora as that is the only way to justify his continued presence in the lineup.

The Red Sox may not have to look too far away for his replacement. Trey Mancini is fully healthy after his bout with Stage 3 cancer and is in the midst of what could be his best season in the majors thus far. He has produced a .303/.374/.448 batting line in his 227 plate appearances, hitting six homers and nine doubles. That production has also come after the changed dimensions in Camden Yards where home runs are no longer flying out with regularity.

Mancini would not block Dalbec for the long term. He is slated to be a free agent at the end of the year and the Red Sox could easily let him test the market. Dalbec could get another chance, and if Boston does not feel he is going to be the answer, they could turn to Tristan Casas as their primary option.

The Boston Red Sox need more than what Bobby Dalbec is providing them. Trey Mancini could be the right fit.

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

David Robertson

For all of the Boston Red Sox success over the past few weeks, one thing remains the same. The back end of their bullpen is a disaster waiting to happen.

Matt Strahm is the current team leader in saves entering Thursday’s action; he has three on the year. Six different pitchers have notched a save, including Garrett Whitlock, who has been needed in the rotation. Finding a consistent option for the ninth inning could make a major difference in their hopes for the postseason.

Fortunately, there are several teams that already appear to be sellers that have solid options for the ninth inning. One of those would be the Chicago Cubs, where David Robertson has experienced an impressive return to form, posting a 1.66 ERA and a 0.923 WHiP in his 21.2 innings, striking out 30 batters with just nine walks. Those numbers would certainly work in the back of the Red Sox bullpen.

Robertson also has plenty of postseason experience. As a long time member of the Yankees, he has been in the playoffs in seven of his previous 13 years in the majors. Robertson also won a Silver Medal in the Olympics, making it clear that he can handle the pressure.

The Boston Red Sox need someone that can handle the ninth inning. David Robertson would be the perfect fit.

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Murphy

Catcher would not seem to be a position of need for the Boston Red Sox. Christian Vazquez has been what they had hoped for with the bat this year.

But he is slated for free agency after the 2022 season. Meanwhile, backup catcher Kevin Plawecki has not exactly done much of anything when he has been in the lineup. The Red Sox farm system does not have much in the way of top catching prospects and Connor Wong may be their next best option.

The Oakland A’s could help. Not only are they continuing their fire sale, but they have two of the top catching prospects in baseball. This potentially makes their Gold Glove catcher, Sean Murphy, available on the trade market.

Murphy’s numbers are not impressive, as he has produced a .202/.276/.367 batting line in his 210 plate appearances, hitting 14 doubles and five homers. He has consistently hit the ball hard when he has made contact and could be a star in Fenway Park. Add in the fact that he is under team control through 2025 and he could be a perfect fit.

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The Boston Red Sox need to find a long term option behind the plate. Sean Murphy could help both in a backup role this year and as the starter going forward.

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