The Boston Red Sox will be an interesting team in the next few weeks leading up to the trade deadline. They traded Rafael Devers and aren't in playoff position, but they are far from out of the race.
At 46-45, the Red Sox are 6 1/2 games back in the American League East and 2 1/2 back in the Wild Card race, even after the Devers trade.
Triston Casas is out for the season, so Boston will need help at first base if they decide to be buyers at the deadline. Devers was unwilling to move to first base this season.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes that veteran Carlos Santana could fill their need.
"The Cleveland Guardians are expected to unload first baseman Carlos Santana, who could be a nice fit for the Boston Red Sox, while also potentially moving outfielder Lane Thomas and perhaps closer Emmanuel Clase," Nightengale wrote.
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The Red Sox could certainly benefit from Santana being in their lineup. He is a switch-hitter with power and would fill their need at first base.
The veteran slugger is having a bit of a down year, slashing .235/.329/.363 with 10 home runs, 38 RBI and a .693 OPS. But Boston is a very hitter-friendly environment, so he could potentially find a way to bounce back with a team in contention.
The Guardians have lost 10 consecutive games and are quickly falling out of the race, so Santana could be a piece they dangle in trade talks if they ultimately do decide to sell.
Santana could be a perfect rental for the Red Sox. He's a former All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glover.
It will be interesting to see how Boston navigates the next few weeks.
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