The Red Sox have two obvious needs they should try to address before the MLB trade deadline passes.
Boston could use another starting pitcher as well as a right-handed bat who can also bring versatility to the infield. A player who could check the latter box for the Red Sox is Luis Rengifo, who’s been established as a “target” for Craig Breslow and company as July 30 approaches, per MassLive’s Sean McAdam.
There’s plenty of appeal when it comes to Rengifo’s game. He can hit for average — batting .315 this season — steal bases (22 thefts in 69 games) and has MLB experience at every position besides first base, pitcher and catcher. The cherry on top for Boston and other interested teams? The 27-year-old wouldn’t be a rental, as he isn’t scheduled to hit free agency until 2026.
The term on Rengifo’s contract might be part of the reason why the Angels reportedly want to hang onto the veteran infielder. But as McAdam suggested in a column published Sunday, Los Angeles claiming a desire to retain Rengifo might be a means of driving up his asking price.
If Rengifo becomes too rich for the Red Sox’s blood, Boston could pivot to a more modest but potentially equally effective trade to address one of its top needs. One solution could be found north of the border, where a division rival reportedly is “expected” to trade a veteran who used to call Fenway Park home.
