The American League East-rival Toronto Blue Jays are expected to be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline, meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are likely going to be buyers.
Toronto is among those sitting in the bottom of the AL, currently with a 44-52 record. The Blue Jays also, however, have a number of talented players who could be a perfect fit to head south to Boston before the deadline passes.
According to MLB.com, the Blue Jays are only willing to trade players that have expiring contracts but will not trade players with contracts beyond 2024. The Red Sox would most likely have to settle for rentals if they were to trade with Toronto.
Here are three potential options that Boston could consider:
Yusei Kikuchi
With Boston needing a pitcher to add to the starting rotation, Kikuchi could be what the Red Sox need.
While his season stats don’t jump off the page, sitting at a 4.42 ERA in 106 innings pitched, he could be a nice rental for the Red Sox. With four right-handed pitchers in the rotation, the left-handed pitcher would be a welcomed change.
The 33-year-old may be a popular trade piece so his asking price will be high for a rental. However, he would only need to be paid $10 million, which is not steep for the experience the pitcher brings to a rotation.
Justin Turner
Turner had success with the Red Sox during the 2023 season, so he could be a perfect rental right-handed bat.
This past offseason, Turner signed a one-year deal, $13 million deal with the Blue Jays. He was coming off a Red Sox debut campaign where he hit .276, drove in 96 RBIs and recorded a .345 on-base percentage.
Toronto will most likely trade the first baseman away and a reunion with the Red Sox could be welcomed by the 39-year-old
Turner is still close with many of the Red Sox players, including All-Star Jarren Duran. The two were seen walking around Fenway Park during the Blue Jays series. If he were to come back to Boston, it would be an easy adjustment for him.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Is this unlikely? Most likely, but Toronto is reportedly listening to trade offers for Guerrero.
The Blue Jays most likely won’t move Guerrero Jr., especially not to a fellow AL East team, but he would be a great right-handed bat to put in the lineup. During the 2024 season, the 25-year-old is batting .288 with 55 RBIs and 14 home runs.
The first baseman has had a lot of success at Fenway Park, batting a career .350 in the Red Sox home. Guerrero Jr. has mentioned his love of coming to Fenway Park since he was a kid.
He would have a high asking price, including a top prospect, but if the Blue Jays were willing to move him then the Red Sox could be a great new home.
