On any given day, watching the Red Sox can leave an observer with the impression that the team’s needs are quite clear. There are times when the need for a second top-line starter to go with ace Garrett Crochet is clear, and there are times when it appears the bullpen really needs added depth. In the first two games of the team’s weekend series against the Cubs in Chicago, it sure looked like a bit of offense was desperately needed–Boston scored one run in the two losses.
It turns out that if you’re not quite sure what direction the Red Sox should take at this year’s fast-approaching MLB trade deadline, you’re not alone. Team president Craig Breslow appears to be somewhat shaky on where he will turn as the market unfolds.
He’s said in the past that pitching and first base, with Triston Casas lost for the season, are clear needs. But asked again on MLB Radio on Sirius XM radio, Breslow indicated that he is open to shifting his trade priorities based on what he sees in the coming days.
“We’re approaching the deadline looking at ways to bolster the team given the play over the last month or so. The needs seem to be a little bit fluid,” Breslow said, via MLB.com.
Craig Breslow Has Made Great Moves This Year
Breslow deserves credit for his ability to bring in winning players this offseason. The trade for Crochet has been a no-holds-barred win for the Red Sox, as has the bargain signing of closer Aroldis Chapman. Adding third baseman Alex Bregman gets an asterisk because of the quad injury that kept him out for more than a month, but he was an All-Star, too, and has been outstanding when healthy.
Adding catcher Carlos Narvaez has also been a win.
Mixing those players with the young core that has risen through the ranks–most notably, top prospect Roman Anthony and infielder Marcelo Mayer–has given the Red Sox an exciting mix and plenty of options at the deadline.
“We played good baseball on both sides. I think you saw this really athletic, dynamic team,” said Breslow. “Pretty young. Run the bases well and play really good outfield defense. We’re creating a lot of pressure on the opposing team. But if you look at our rotation for the last month, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello have pitched really well. And Crochet has been an absolute anchor since the first pitch of the season.”
Red Sox Rafael Devers Trade Has Been Positive
Breslow was asked, too, about the trade of Rafael Devers, the very bold move the team made in June that shocked all of baseball. Devers had not been a positive for team culture, being unwilling to play first base, and sulking after moving to designated hitter. He’s also batting just .208 since being sent to the Giants.
“He’s just a tremendous hitter that fits in the middle of a lineup and gives opposing teams fits,” Breslow said. “But I think the reality is, we weren’t winning as many games as we should. We weren’t an example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. We had a bunch of really good individual performances, but they weren’t stacking up to win as many games as we should have been.”
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