The Boston Red Sox positioned themselves well before the All-Star break to be in position to make meaningful additions at the MLB trade deadline on July 30.
Boston hovers around a playoff spot as the end of July nears, putting pressure to build around several contenders in both the American and National League.
With needs such as a starting pitcher and a right-handed bat, Boston can certainly benefit from external additions.
Here are three teams to watch that could be realistic trade partners with the Red Sox.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
The Angels have struggled in the American League West and would be wise to capitalize on moving capable players.
Luis Rengifo offers a quality fit for the Red Sox. The infielder could fill a revolving door at second base and help with Boston’s ongoing struggles against left-handed starting pitching. Rengifo can hit from both sides of the plate and produces in the middle of an impact season.
The infielder slashes .315/.358/.442 with six home runs and an .800 OPS on the season for the Angels. If he’s available, that’s a pretty solid target for the Red Sox to pursue.
TEXAS RANGERS
We’ll leave the door open here since the Rangers may go in a different direction as the only trail the top of the American League West by four games. If they do sell, however, the Red Sox should be on the phones.
The Rangers could make a few tiers of starting pitching available.
The Red Sox could pursue arms such as Michael Lorenzen, who also made sense for them in the offseason. Boston could also try to make a splash and reunite with old friend and 2018 World Series champion Nathan Eovaldi.
MIAMI MARLINS
As evidenced by the 0-4 start out of the break, the Red Sox are going to need some bullpen help. That’s especially with names like Chris Martin and Justin Slaten injured and Kenley Jansen unavailable for the series against the Colorado Rockies.
The Miami Marlins are absolutely in position to sell and could be an option for the Red Sox to pursue this needed.
Tanner Scott stands out as the best piece to inquire on. The lefty made his first All-Star appearance this season to the tune of a 1.27 ERA in 41 appearances while striking out over 10 batters per nine innings. That surely adds another impact arm to the bullpen for the Red Sox that could get even better if Liam Hendriks is able to join the team after Tommy John surgery late last season.
