The Boston Red Sox are on the playoff bubble and are adamant about staying competitive to make a postseason push. However, they may need to take some risks at the trade deadline to make it happen.
Despite not playing their best baseball, the Red Sox are within striking distance of a wild card spot. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has noted that the team did not wave the white flag by trading Rafael Devers, so they may actually be buyers at the deadline. It would be risky to trade away prospects in hopes of a late-season push.
Devers was once clogging up the DH spot in Alex Cora's lineup. Trading him actually created some opportunities for other players to see more regular at-bats. However, Heavy's TJ French proposed this trade that would bring a different full-time DH to Boston:
- Red Sox receive: DH Marcell Ozuna and OF Michael Harris II
- Atlanta Braves receive: OF Jarren Duran
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan listed both Duran and Ozuna as trade candidates at this year's deadline. The Braves, like the Red Sox, refuse to commit to being sellers. This trade would help both teams while keeping both in the race.
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Boston would get an immediate replacement for Duran in the outfield, while adding a three-time All-Star to their lineup. Ozuna has played well this year and could be a great addition to their offense. Harris is signed to an eight-year, $72 million deal with some team options on the backend. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2022. He, Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela would figure to be the Red Sox outfield for years to come.
With Harris in Boston, the Red Sox could trade Wilyer Abreu for some much-needed pitching help. With Duran in Atlanta, they could add a new element to their offense with his speed. He also would not have to worry about being the odd man out in their outfield.
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