Craig Breslow indicated after the All-Star break that the Red Sox were looking to buy, and Boston’s first-year chief baseball officer stood by his word.
The American League playoff hopefuls made not one, but two trades last week. The Red Sox reunited with James Paxton after the left-hander was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they struck a deal with the rival Toronto Blue Jays to acquire veteran catcher Danny Jansen.
ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle wasn’t too bullish on the Paxton pickup, as he gave Boston a “C-” grade for the acquisition. While the Red Sox needed a starter and are plenty familiar with Paxton, Doolittle is dubious about the southpaw’s chances for success due to decreased velocity and shaky command. Paxton will try to prove Doolittle and other doubters wrong beginning Tuesday night when he starts his second tenure in Boston.
The move for Jansen netted the Red Sox a slightly higher grade (C+) from Doolittle. The MLB scribe believes the former Blue Jay will be an offensive upgrade over fellow backstop Reese McGuire, who was designated for assignment Sunday. Doolittle also thinks Jansen’s power swing and pull rate are a “good recipe” for Fenway Park, where the 29-year-old collected two hits in his Boston debut against the New York Yankees.
It remains to be seen if Paxton and Jansen will be the Red Sox’s final trade acquisitions of the season. Craig Breslow and company have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to make additions.
