Boston Red Sox trade rumors: 3 players that could be on the move

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The Boston Red Sox are in shambles at this point. Defensive miscues, injuries, and an inability to win a series against anyone in the division have all reared their head this year. Once solidly in one of the Wild Card spots, the Red Sox are now trying to fend off the Orioles to stay out of the AL East cellar.

It has also changed the Red Sox outlook. Just a month ago, they were seen as obvious buyers, a team that would be looking to shore up their injured starting rotation and disastrous bullpen. Instead, they are now likely to be sellers, looking to find pieces as they set their sights on 2023.

Three players Boston Red Sox could trade

One of the obvious trade candidates, Xander Bogaerts, may not be a viable option. He has a full no-trade clause and may not be willing to waive it despite the Red Sox issues. However, that does not mean that they are without other options. The Red Sox could end up bringing in a solid amount of talent via trades.

The Boston Red Sox may now be ready to sell just weeks after appearing to be buyers. Let’s look at three possible trade candidates.

Matt Strahm

Every contending team is going to be looking for bullpen help. That is especially the case when a viable left handed option could be available.

Such is the case with Matt Strahm. The Boston Red sox plucked him off of the scrap heap, signing him to a one year deal worth $3 million. That signing proved to be brilliant as he emerged as one of their best relievers this season. Prior to landing on the Injured List, the lefty had posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.229 WHiP over his 27.2 innings, striking out 32 batters with seven walks and just two homers allowed.

His placement on the IL should not be much of a deterrent. Strahm has a bruised left wrist and is already playing catch. While it is still stiff, his wrist issues should not keep him sidelined for that much longer, making a trade all the more likely.

Strahm has worked his way into a prominent role in the Red Sox bullpen, even notching the first three saves of his career. He is not likely to be viewed as a closer by whatever team acquires him, but he could serve as a backup in that role. What is certain is that Strahm could be a prominent part of a contending bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox could get a solid return for Matt Strahm. He could be a fit on virtually every contending team.

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Nathan Eovaldi

A postseason hero for the Boston Red Sox, Nathan Eovaldi could get the chance to recapture that magic for another team.

He was originally intended to be a rental in Boston, someone brought in to shore up their rotation. Instead, he went on an impressive run in the 2018 postseason, allowing five runs, four earned, on 15 hits and three walks over 22.1 innings, striking out 16 batters. That showing led to a four year deal worth $68 million to stay in town.

This year has not been up to Eovaldi’s standards. He has posted a 4.30 ERA and a 1.235 WHiP in his 75.1 innings as he battled injury and bouts of ineffectiveness. His numbers are also skewed as he was the starter in their 28-5 pasting at the hands of the Blue Jays, his ERA jumping by nearly a full run in that outing.

However, the fact remains that Eovaldi has been an important part of a playoff push before. He has also been able to perform as a solid middle of the rotation arm with flashes of more. That potential and his playoff track record will make him an attractive trade target.

Nathan Eovaldi could be on the move at the trade deadline. Teams such as the Twins, Phillies, and Cardinals could make sense for the righty.

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J.D. Martinez

Although the Boston Red Sox have received disappointing production from several areas of the lineup, J.D. Martinez has not been a part of those issues.

The Red Sox designated hitter may not be hitting for as much power as in years past, but he is still making solid contact and spraying line drives around the ballpark. His .302/.368/.481 batting line in his 356 plate appearances, with 30 doubles and nine homers, would still hit well in almost any lineup.

Martinez is also not the typical DH. Despite not seeing time in the field this season, he had seen time in the outfield as recently as last season. He typically received 30 to 40 games between the two corner outfield spots, faring better in left than he had in right.

That versatility could make a difference at the trade deadline as well. Teams are going to look to upgrade their lineup, but may not be willing to give up much for a rental DH. Add in his ability to slot into the outfield, and Martinez could bring back a better return than expected.

Next. An interesting contract comp for Devers. dark

J.D. Martinez is an intriguing trade chip for the Boston Red Sox. The Guardians, Mets, Mariners, and Padres would all be solid fits for his bat.

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