The Boston Red Sox have altered their approach to the upcoming trade deadline following a remarkable turnaround in performance. The team secured a 5-1 victory against the Orioles on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to 15 games and matching the franchise record last achieved in 1946. This resurgence has fundamentally changed the organization’s outlook, as Boston moved from a position 14 games under .500 and last place in the AL East on June 24 to 52-49 and in playoff position.
Earlier in the season, discussions centered on the Red Sox as sellers, with closer Aroldis Chapman viewed as a likely trade candidate. Starter Sonny Gray had even expressed willingness to waive his no-trade clause given the team’s struggles. However, the recent winning streak has shifted the narrative entirely. The organization now plans to acquire players before the Aug. 3 deadline, though interim manager Chad Tracy and club leadership have indicated this buying approach will be measured rather than all-in.
ShortStop represents a key area of potential acquisition. The Red Sox have shown interest in Angels shortstop Zach Neto, 25, who is under team control through 2029 and has hit 19 home runs this season. Acquiring Neto would require significant prospect capital, potentially including 23-year-old Marcelo Mayer, though top prospect Franklin Arias likely remains too valuable. The team has also identified pitching depth as a priority, with several young starters approaching career-high workloads. Left-hander Payton Tolle has already surpassed his professional high of innings, and starter Garrett Crochet has been on the injured list since April with shoulder inflammation and multiple setbacks.
Additionally, catcher could be addressed before the deadline, as Carlos Narváez has underperformed and Connor Wong has not yet proven himself as an everyday player. The Red Sox are expected to wait until closer to the Aug. 3 deadline to make major decisions, allowing the market to fully develop and informing their final approach to improving the roster.
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