The Boston Red Sox are in the perfect position to take a buyer approach to next Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, which begs the obvious question: Who should chief baseball officer Craig Breslow pursue before the time passes?
Boston entered the All-Star break catching up to the division-leading Baltimore Orioles while owning the final wild-card spot in the American League. But ever since Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck rejoined the Red Sox following the Midsummer Classic, the team has fallen to a 1-5 stretch, getting anchored by some glaring voids to be filled — especially if the organization intends to put its best foot forward before teams begin clinching their playoff berths ahead of October.
Here’s a trio of position players Boston could consider:
Luis Rengifo, infielder (Los Angeles Angels)
Rengifo returned from the injured list on Tuesday after suffering a wrist injury, but the 27-year-old amassed an impressive 69-game stretch with the Angels before going down — logging a .315 batting average with 79 base hits and six home runs. Rengifo is defensively versatile, playing third base and second base while also having experience in the outfield from last season. However, what makes Rengifo the most ideal of options for the Red Sox is the six-year veteran’s right-handed bat, which could do wonders by Boston’s lineup.
Justin Turner, infielder/designated hitter (Toronto Blue Jays)
The 39-year-old spent last season with the Red Sox, taking over a leadership role in Boston’s clubhouse. Now, as the team, similar to 2023, inches closer toward playoff contention in the second half of 2024, Turner could deliver that same impact to a young roster looking to make some noise. It’s also worth noting that starting first baseman Triston Casas, who’s been on the 60-day injured list with a rib injury, remains sidelined, allowing Turner to hold the fort down defensively and slide into the designated hitter’s role whenever needed. Turner is hitting .236 with six home runs and 30 RBIs thus far.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., infielder/outfielder (Miami Marlins)
Every trade deadline speculation list needs a wild card candidate, and that’s where Chisholm, the flashiest among the trio, enters the discussion. Chisholm, unlike Rengifo and Turner, is a left-handed bat but does provide defensive versatility with more athleticism and upside. Since the Marlins are in the midst of a dumpster fire season — sitting dead-last in the National League East — Miami is the perfect candidate to sell and allow teams such as Boston to rummage through the roster. Chisholm, 26, has batted .251 with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and 21 stolen bases, and could provide some middle infield help, too.
