The Boston Red Sox are 32-35 this season. They are in fourth place in the American League East and 8 1/2 games out of the division lead. They are four games back of an AL Wild Card spot.
The team is not destined to be a seller before the July 31 deadline, but it will need to play better to stay in the postseason picture. If the Red Sox do not pick up the pace and start playing more consistent baseball, they may be too far out of the postseason race to justify holding on to some pending free agents.
If the team decides to sell, it will have many attractive players for contenders to target. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted the Red Sox would trade Aroldis Chapman if they do indeed decide to sell.
“Chapman, having as good of stuff as he does and having as good of a year as he’s had, would make him one of, if not the most desirable, reliever available,” wrote Rotman. “The fact that he’s left-handed would only add to his value. He’s been great for Boston, but again, it’s better for the Red Sox to get something for a player who is likely going to depart in free agency if they aren’t going to be competitive down the stretch.”
Chapman is in his 16th season and is still hitting triple digits on the radar gun. He has 11 saves in 12 opportunities and 35 strikeouts. He would be a great addition for any team looking to bolster the backend of its bullpen.
The seven-time All-Star is a two-time World Series champion, winning both after being traded midseason. His postseason experience could play a huge role in him being a hot name around the trade deadline.
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