The history of the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline has been arguably very tame. Last season, shipping away catcher Christian Vazquez was a bit shocking. The prospects that Boston received in return were also somewhat surprising. Enmanuel Valdez played somewhat effectively for the big league club this season before being sent back to Triple-A Worcester. For all the talk at the trade deadline related to designated hitter J.D. Martinez, the Vazquez trade was the only salient transaction that occurred. Something that was done mainly as a cost-cutting measure. What moves could the Red Sox make at or before the August 1 MLB trade deadline this season?
The Red Sox at the 2023 Trade Deadline
If history repeats itself, there will be a lot of talk but likely little noteworthy action. The Red Sox may make moves that will likely have little impact on the team this season. The best part of the trade deadline is typically the “dream scenarios” that do not come to fruition. With that said, here are some moves the Sox and General Manager, Chaim Bloom, could but likely will not make before August 1.
Kiké Hernández Situation
In what can best be described as a logjam at middle infield, and with five capable outfielders, it looks like Kiké Hernández’s days in Boston are ending. First, his contract is up at the end of the season. Secondly, if the Sox learned anything from last season, they should have made more moves. Instead, they let J.D. Martinez enter free agency when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez’s defensive skills have also seemed to falter this season. Many were anticipating more playing time for Yu Chang.
Why Boston Won’t Trade Hernández
Despite his contract expiring and lackluster performance this season, the Red Sox should hang onto Hernandez. This year’s .228/.296/.356 is a near-repeat of his season last year. The hope for this year was to rebound from his 2021 campaign, hitting .250/.337/.449, along with his versatility to provide defense in multiple positions. That hasn’t happened, as Hernandez has seen trouble on both sides of the ball. His mediocracy won’t be enough to attract buyers to acquire him.
Triston Casas Struggles
It’s not just Hernandez, but Casas has also fallen short of expectations, especially at the plate. The so-called first baseman of the first is hitting .233/.333/.434 with seven home runs. Plus, he’s walking at a 13.3% rate but also fanning in 25.7% of his plate appearances. He hasn’t looked good on defense either, getting a dismal -6 DRS at first base. Fans have already begun toying with trading him while he still has some value, but the team could live with any defensive shortcomings at that position.
Bobby Dalbec and Ryan Fitzgerald
Both Dalbec and Fitzgerald are having great seasons at Triple-A Worcester. Let’s start with Dalbec first. He has 22 home runs on the season as he’s hitting .306/.419/.655 in 279 plate appearances. But this season, he’s struggled during his two brief stints in the majors. Dalbec’s batting average was well under the Mendoza line at .167, with two hits, a stolen base, and eight strikeouts in ten games.
As for Fitzgerald, he’s hitting .301/.361/.561 for Worcester, including ten home runs and 46 RBI. Unlike Dalbec, Fitzgerald has struggled to find any footing in the majors. While both players have done enough with their bats in the minors, moving them for other players who could help Boston might be time.
To Trade or Not to Trade
At this point,it’s no secret that the Sox need pitching to make a serious playoff push. If Boston were to entertain the idea of trading one or both, they should look for teams ready to sell for the better of the future. One trade possibility that could be worth exploring is this. Boston could send Dalbec or Fitzgerald to the Kansas City Royals for a package, including veteran starter Zack Greinke. Greinke would provide depth and a much-needed glaring hole in the Red Sox rotation. Another trade idea would be Dalbec or Fitzgerald to the Oakland Athletics for reliever Luis Medina.
Why the Sox Will Not Trade Dalbec and Fitzgerald
Despite already having an abundance of middle infielders and outfielders, the Sox will keep Dalbec, who had a very productive 2021 season in Boston (.240, 25HR, 78 RBI), as a huge insurance policy. Fitzgerald, on the other hand, is a real head-scratcher. Despite putting up big numbers to at least get a chance in Boston, he still has not. He has been passed over for another organization’s Triple-A player, Pablo Reyes. It would be unreasonable to hold on to Fitzgerald without the intention of promoting him. It would not, however, be surprising or unheard of for just that scenario to play out.
Takeaways
Boston must address their flaws to make a playoff push, especially in pitching and defense. However, the history of Chaim Bloom at the trade deadline has shown that moves made are solely for cost-cutting purposes. Acquiring talent should be the objective at the trade deadline this season. However, it is very likely the Red Sox feel comfortable with the roster they have now. If Boston decides not to buy and sell instead, the players mentioned above could very well be on their way out. of time by the deadline. If not, then, perhaps in the offseason.
Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Christian Vazquez, Enmanuel Valdez, J.D. Martinez, Yu Chang, Zack Greinke, Luis Medina, Pablo Reyes, Bobby Dalbec, Ryan Fitzgerald
