3 potential trade targets for Boston Red Sox

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.

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.