Sign up for Red Sox updates⚾
Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during baseball season.
Red Sox reportedly eyeing top relievers, right-handed hitters on market days ahead of trade deadline
Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker and Marlins closer Tanner Scott are among the latest names linked to the Red Sox.
The Red Sox made a pair of trades earlier in the weekend, and they might not be done making moves as the countdown to the deadline moves from days to hours.
Boston has been linked to a handful of the best relievers and right-handed hitters who remain on the market ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
On the reliever front, the Red Sox have been “pursuing” Marlins lefty Tanner Scott, The Athletic‘s Jim Bowden reported Sunday. They’re also among a handful of teams showing interest in Angels righty Luis Garcia, according to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman.
As for the hitters, the Red Sox, along with the Mariners and Pirates, have shown interest in Athletics outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker, according to Bowman. Additionally, Bowden listed Boston as possible suitors for Miami first baseman Josh Bell and Detroit first baseman Mark Canha.
Scott is widely viewed as the top reliever left on the trade market and it’s expected he’ll be traded before the deadline, according to Bowden. The recently-turned 30-year-old has 18 saves in 20 opportunities this season. He’s also 6-5 with a 1.18 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings over 44 appearances. His .127 batting average against also ranks the best among eligible closers this season.
Advertisement:
Garcia, meanwhile, has been the Angels’ setup man in his first season with the team. The 37-year-old is 5-1 with a 3.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings pitched over 44 outings.
Both Scott and Garcia are free agents at the end of the season, which could help alleviate the cost to get them. Still, the Red Sox seem to have plenty of competition for their services as the Angels actually have a deal in place that they like for Garcia, according to Bowden.
Boston’s bullpen has been taxed following the All-Star break due to injuries, underwhelming starts, and extra-inning games. With primary setup reliever Chris Martin on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation, getting an extra arm for the backend of the bullpen could be the Red Sox’ biggest need at the deadline.
The Red Sox could also use another right-handed hitter. If so, Rooker might be the best answer to that problem. He’s hitting .288 with a .948 OPS, 25 homers, and 72 RBIs this season and could be the best hitter moved ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
However, the Athletics have told teams they’re reluctant to move Rooker, Heyman reported Saturday. The 29-year-old is under team control through the end of the 2027 season, making it a bit more difficult for Oakland to move on from him.
Advertisement:
If the Red Sox are able to land Rooker though, he’d likely end up becoming their primary designated hitter. He’s served that role in Oakland for much of the last two seasons and Boston’s outfield has become one of its strengths.
As for Bell and Canha, they’re both set to become free agents in the offseason. Bell is hitting .239 to go with a .699 OPS, 14 homers, and 49 RBIs this season. Canha has a similar slashline as Bell, hitting .233 with a .693 OPS. He hasn’t had as much power this season though, hitting just seven homers and 38 RBIs over 91 games.
Bell or Canha would at least help stabilize the Red Sox’ situation at first base until Triston Casas returns from his rib injury. Dom Smith has been their primary first baseman with Casas out, but he’s hitting just .186 in games started by lefties.
Even when Casas returns, one of Bell or Canha would serve a great purpose for the Red Sox. Only three of their regular starters are right-handed hitters, leaving them a bit vulnerable in that regard.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.