The Boston Red Sox enter Tuesday sitting just two games out of an American League Wild Card spot. Many around the league, thethe Sox’sincluding Red Sox officials, did not expect the team to be so competitive this season. Though winning hasn’t appeared to be a top priority for ownership in recent seasons, the Red Sox seem ready to acquire pitching at the upcoming trade deadline.
Red Sox Interested In Left-Handed Pitchers
1. There is an expectation that the Red Sox will show interest in James Paxton; 2. They are on a lookout for a swing-and-miss lefty reliever; 3. This group has earned some urgency from the front office.https://t.co/7Mfnz8lYED
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) July 23, 2024
Red Sox Linked To James Paxton
Rob Bradford of WEEI reports that the Red Sox are top suitors for lefty starter James Paxton. On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated the veteran for assignment. The team expects a solid trade market to take shape for Paxton, with Boston among the potential suitors.
Paxton pitched well for Boston last season. He struck out 101 batters in 96 innings and posted a 101 ERA+. 2023 represented his first major workload since he tossed over 150 innings in 2019. “The Big Maple” started the season strong but seemed to tire down the stretch.
The Red Sox appeared interested in bringing Paxton back via free agency this winter. However, the oft-injured 35-year-old chose to sign with the Dodgers to play for a sure contender. While Paxton is one of two Dodgers starters to make every start this season, his production left some to be desired.
In his 18 starts, the lefty produced a 4.43 (90 ERA+) in 89 1/3 innings. Unfortunately, he leads the National League with 48 walks allowed and has not struck many batters out. The Dodgers have higher-upside arms nearing full, little health, and decided to move on from Paxton just days before the trade deadline.
Former Red Sox SP James Paxton was recently DFA’d, little insight:
– Decreases in spin efficiency, shapes, velo.
– Off-speed swing & miss is still quality (33.6% whiff%).Thoughts:
– Make KNCV/CH more put-away
– Spam off-speed% vs RHB
– Regain shapes/SE
– Improve FB location pic.twitter.com/pH34ubUFwM— Pat (@PatSullivan05) July 22, 2024
Boston’s pitching staff represented a cause for concern among many evaluators entering the year. However, the unit has surprisingly performed well all year and is a big reason why the Red Sox are in postseason contention.
That said, the staff has dealt with injuries all season. Also, many remain skeptical about how their arms will hold up down the stretch. The Red Sox have been connected to other veteran starters, but Paxton could serve as an ideal fit due to his expiring contract and familiarity with the team.
Red Sox Seeking Lefty Relievers
In his article, Bradford notes that Boston wants to acquire left-handed relievers with solid whiff rates. The team has lost four straight games in large part due to bullpen struggles. During this stretch, the bullpen has produced a 7.20 ERA and a .992 OPS against.
Bradford names Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi (Marlins), Andrew Chafin (Tigers), and Garrett Cleavinger (Rays) as potential options.
Red Sox nation seems excited that the team expects to acquire pitching help at the trade deadline. But they might not like how the team goes about it. On Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Boston will buy and sell this summer.
Passan says the Red Sox intentions are buying and selling https://t.co/XH2DhzjUD6 pic.twitter.com/DJLwsVA1MC
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) July 23, 2024
This leaves the door open for the Red Sox to acquire pitching like Paxton and a reliever. However, it also means trading away veterans like Tyler O’Neill and Kenley Jansen could be a real possibility.
Perhaps one trade option would be for Boston to send Jansen back to Los Angeles in exchange for Paxton. Jansen recently told Foul Territory that he would love to finish his career with the Dodgers and that the team could use bullpen help.
Then, Boston could turn its attention and trade capital toward acquiring bullpen help. Playing the middle rather than taking one side has not worked for multiple teams at recent deadlines. Boston should know this well, as it’s the main reason the team hired a new front office leader this winter. But, for better or worse, it seems that’s the direction the team is headed once again.
Main Photo Credits: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
