The Boston Red Sox are entering the MLB All-Star break as the league’s most in-form team. After winning their last 10 games, they now have the same number of victories as the New York Yankees and have gained ground in the American League East standings. This shift in momentum has altered their approach to the trade deadline, with many now believing that with the right additions, the Red Sox could make a strong playoff push in October.
Following their impressive winning streak, Boston is now anticipated to be active buyers at the trade deadline, with their primary focus on acquiring a depth starter. Garrett Crochet has been a standout performer for the Red Sox this season, and Brayan Bello has recently found his groove, but beyond those two, the rotation gets a bit more uncertain. Multiple injuries have taken a toll, and Walker Buehler has yet to live up to the expectations that came with his one-year contract, leaving the Red Sox in need of additional pitching support.
Trade with Rangers Lands Tyler Mahle
The Texas Rangers, currently a game below .500 and a few games back in the AL Wild Card race, could be an under-the-radar team for a potential trade partner. One intriguing option for the Red Sox is Tyler Mahle, a solid starter who has been sidelined since early June due to injury but is expected to return soon. Before his injury, Mahle was already a subject of trade rumors, and with him being a free agent at season’s end, the Red Sox could acquire him without giving up too much in return.
At 30 years old, Mahle has made 14 starts this season, posting a strong 2.34 ERA, with 56 strikeouts in 77 innings. While he tends to be a pitch-to-contact type of pitcher, he’d be an ideal fit for Boston’s rotation, slotting in as a third or fourth starter once healthy. A possible trade piece for Mahle could be Boston’s fifth-ranked prospect, James Thibbs III, an outfielder. With a crowded outfield already in place for the Red Sox, dealing Thibbs might make sense as they look to bolster their pitching depth for the playoff push.
Boston’s Deadline Outlook
Several MLB insiders have already noted that the Boston Red Sox have a pitching need, and a solid starter is at the top of their wishlist. At first, when Boston traded away their best player at the time in Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants, many thought the Red Sox were going to punt this season away. Even closer, Aroldis Chapman garnered some trade interest, but after his stellar first half, and the Red Sox’s emergence, we could see their front office make more big splashes, but in a beneficial way.
As the July 31st deadline approaches, the Red Sox’s deadline outline has changed significantly since two weeks ago. They are now one of the most intriguing teams in baseball and could be on the Texas Rangers’ radar for acquiring Mahle.
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