Red Sox Rumors: 6 Players On Boston's Radar Ahead Of The MLB Trade Deadline

The Boston Red Sox have the best record in baseball with an offense that leads the Majors in runs (531) due in large part to MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez. Boston also has a Cy Young contender in Chris Sale leading a pitching staff that is fourth in earned-run average (3.55).

But the Red Sox have strong competition in the American League, as the New York Yankees are not trailing far behind and the defending champion Houston Astros appear poised for another deep postseason run. There are always ways to bolster the roster and the Red Sox should be active ahead of the July 31 Trade Deadline.

Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to target relievers, though adding another bat could also be a possibility. There has been talk, however, that the Sox may not have enough quality prospects to land anyone of significance.

“We have enough to make a major trade if we want to,” Dombrowski said, according to the Boston Globe. “I think that’s overblown.”

Third baseman Rafael Devers is a potential superstar but Boston also has Michael Chavis, who just completed an 80-day PED suspension and has been slowed by a wrist injury. Teams want pitching and the Red Sox can offer right-handers Bryan Mata, Tanner Houck and Danny Diaz. The Red Sox also have left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez, as well as first baseman Josh Ockimey and third baseman Bobby Dalbec.

Dombrowski may have already missed out on some of the best available players. The Red Sox were considered one of the top contenders to land Manny Machado, but the superstar infielder was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Boston also missed out on closer Jeurys Familia, who on Saturday was acquired by the Oakland A's.

Fortunately for Boston there are plenty of options still on the market and they may not have to surrender their top prospects if they want to land a middle-reliever.

Zach Britton, Orioles

The Sox are high on Britton, according to the Boston Globe. Britton has only pitched in 15.2 innings this season but he's been one of baseball's best closers over the years, particularly in 2016 when he had a 0.54 ERA and converted all 47 of his save opportunities.

The Orioles didn't want to send Machado to an AL East team, but do they feel the same way about Britton? Dombrowski may have to concede multiple top prospects to get the 30-year-old and will face stiff competition with Familia off the market. The Astros and Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested.

Brian Dozier, Twins

The Red Sox could use an upgrade at second base and the Minnesota Twins appear to be willing to accept offers for one of their best bats. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Sox are interested in the 31-year-old. Minnesota will probably want a lot for Dozier, who has 16 home runs this season after hitting 34 in 2017.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Dozier has drawn interest from the Milwaukee Brewers though the Dodgers are probably out of the running after getting Machado.

Mike Fiers

The Sox are among several clubs “evaluating” Fiers, according to Olney. On Saturday, there wasn't much to evaluate. The 33-year-old dominated the Red Sox, not allowing a run over 6.1 innings and striking out six. Fiers was signed to a one-year deal worth $6 million, so he's a bargain.

But a cause for concern might be his poor performance in August and September last season, when he allowed a staggering 43 earned runs over 41.2 innings.

Mike Moustakas, Royals

The Kansas City Royals will be sellers but it's unclear what Moustakas will command on the market. The 29-year-old third baseman is earning just $6.5 million on his one-year deal and he hit 38 homers in 2017 and has 19 in 2018, but his career on-base percentage is just .306.

Is Dombrowski willing to part with prospects for a player like Moustakas when he has top young talent at the position?

Fernando Rodney, Twins

MLB insider Jerry Crasnick reports that Rodney is on Boston's radar. The 41-year-old is having a solid season, owning a 3.12 ERA over 34.2 innings. It's hard to imagine the Red Sox giving up much to get this serviceable right-handed reliever.

Dombrowski is familiar with Rodney from their days with the Tigers, so he knows what he'll be getting.

Joakim Soria, White Sox

It's highly unlikely that Soria is sticking around Chicago for the rest of the season and he might be the best option for Boston since the Orioles are expected to want a lot in return for Britton and with Familia off the market.

The 34-year-old right-hander is having a good season, with 14 saves and a 2.70 ERA. Dombrowski may need to act quickly because the White Sox are probably drawing plenty of offers.