Who Should the Red Sox Target at the Trade Deadline?

Christian Martinelli

If the Red Sox want to make the playoffs, they need players. 

It’s as simple as that. There’s no sugar coating it anymore.

It has become evident that this team just doesn’t have what it takes to make that move towards championship contention with this roster. They need to make a few moves before the trade deadline passes on July 31st.

Here are four players who the Red Sox should consider trading for.

Scooter Gennett: Reds 2B- Career: .287 BA, .329 OBP, 85 HR

​Shane Greene: Tigers Closer-Career: 22 wins, 27 losses, 65 saves, 4.54 ERA

​This would be an ideal player for the Red Sox. They would get themselves the arguably best closer in the American League so far this season and for cheap. Greene currently has 22 saves on the year which is good for eight best in the league. Greene also boasts an impressive 1.22 ERA over 37 innings pitched. With the Tigers out of the postseason conversation, Boston would not have to part with major league talent. Shane Greene would be a monster coming out of the bullpen in Fenway.

AJ Pollock: Dodgers CF- Career: .280 BA, .337 OBP, 80 HR

​Here’s a stud player that has lost some of his shine due to injury this season. With his absence for the Dodgers, Alex Verdugo has stepped up and taken control of the centerfield spot in LA. That means some of his value has gone down, and there’s a chance the Dodger will shop the 31 year old at the deadline. The Red Sox could use depth in the outfield, especially with Jackie Bradley Jr. being so inconsistent, Pollock could be a great option to play every other day. His numbers are down this season, but I chalk that up to his lack of playing time, rather than just a fall off of skill. Pollock may not be a star, but he’s the type of bat that could be helpful come October.

Ryan Pressly: Astros Relief Pitcher-Career: 20 wins, 17 losses, 3.30 ERA

The Sox don’t need one arm out of the bullpen, they need two or three of them. Someone like Ryan Pressly would be a perfect addition to the Sox beat up rotation as a set-up man. The man Boston drafted 12 years ago, could make it full circle if he made the return back. He would make that return as a much improved pitcher, currently turning in a 2-1 record with a 1.42 ERA over 44.1 innings pitched. Boston is notorious for blowing leads with their suspect bullpen, and could use all the quality arms they can find. With the Astros contending for a World Series, it's extremely unlikely that Pressly will  be available, but he would be a perfect fit behind the wall in right.

The Red Sox find themselves well back of the Yankees, and just out of a wild card spot. 

At the rate the Red Sox are playing at, they won’t be making the postseason unless Dave Dombrowski makes a few good moves within the next few days. The Sox don’t need to go after the guys I proposed, but for what they can afford to give up, I think these would be the dream additions at this moment. 

The next few days will determine how the rest of this season goes, and if they become buyers Boston fans should be happy that the front office sees the deficiencies on this team as well.

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