The Boston Red Sox fired the first shot of the trade deadline yesterday, snagging Washington Nationals slugger Curtis Mead. This dude checks the box for a right-handed power bat the Red Sox needed, big time. But before you even process that, ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan is already dropping bombs, saying this is nowhere near Boston’s only move at the deadline. In fact, they might be getting way more aggressive than anyone thought.
Still Hungry, Still Hunting
Passan didn’t pull any punches, straight up writing that the “Red Sox are not expected to stop with this deal, either, continuing to consider larger deals for another bat.” Mead took care of one of two bats they wanted, which is cool, but they still need a serious upgrade. We’re talking either their other middle infield spot, DH, or straight up at catcher. The front office is clearly feeling the pressure to get this done, and fast.
The Targets and The Treasure Chest
So, who could they be eyeing? Well, the catcher market just went wild. Athletics All-Star Shea Langeliers got hit with a potentially season-ending torn meniscus, which means he’s off the board. Boom, prices for any above average catcher just shot through the roof. That makes Colorado Rockies two-time All-Star Hunter Goodman a seriously expensive target, probably commanding more than Boston wants to dish out for a guy with only a year and a half of team control. They might have to “settle” for a rental like Ryan Jeffers, whose contract is up after this season. And keep an eye on Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto. Boston likes him, sure, but his horrible defense screams DH if they actually pull the trigger. The good news for Red Sox fans? They’ve got the goods to buy big. We’re talking a ton of depth ready to be sold off. Guys like Jarren Duran, Marcelo Mayer, Patrick Sandoval, plus a whole bunch of prospects and AAA players who can flex to the MLB. These are all on the block, ready to be moved for the right pieces.
If Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office are serious about this aggressive talk, and they can actually land guys like Jeffers and Neto, that’s a game-changer. That kind of haul takes them from being a “fringe contender” to one of the “favorites to come out of the American League.” The deadline is just a week away. Let’s hope Breslow and the front office have a solid plan, because this could get wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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