Red Sox Insider Hints Four Important Players Could Be Traded If Club Continues To Struggle
Could the Boston Red Sox become sellers ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline?
Boston has been inconsistent, to say the least, to begin the 2023 campaign and currently is 31-32 and in last place in the American League East. At times the club has looked impressive, but the team is in the middle of a long slump. The trade deadline will be upon us before we know it and if the club is unable to make up some ground in the Wild Card race it may look very different after the Aug. 1 deadline.
The Red Sox have some very attractive trade pieces and four players that reportedly could be of interest to other teams if Boston sells off are pitcher James Paxton, infielder and designated hitter Justin Turner, utility man Kiké Hernández, and closer Kenley Jansen, according to MassLive.com's Sean McAdam.
"If indeed this is to be a seller’s market, the Red Sox may finally be in a good position to deal. James Paxton, Justin Turner, and Kiké Hernández are all on short-term deals and could attract interest in a competitive marketplace, McAdam said. "Even Kenley Jansen, due another $16 million in 2024, would appeal to a team in need of a closer - both Texas and the New York Mets immediately spring to mind."
It would be disappointing to see any of the four players go at the deadline. Paxton returned to the hill after dealing with a plethora of injuries and has been one of the Red Sox's best pitchers. Turner has been solid all season for Boston and Hernández has grown into a Boston fan-favorite, despite shaky defensive play this season. Jansen has been impressive as well so far this season for the Red Sox, despite a few tough outings.
If the Red Sox were to compete for a postseason spot this year, they likely would need solid play from all four of these players. Boston may be a game under .500 right now, but the club has dealt with a plethora of injuries and should get healthy shortly. Outfielder Adam Duvall is set to return to the club Friday and infielder Trevor Story should be back at some point this summer. The club's biggest injury question mark right now is about starter Chris Sale, but if he's able to return shortly, the Red Sox should be able to improve.
Boston seemed poised to surprise some people this season, but injuries have decimated the club. Hopefully, they can get back on track quickly so Red Sox Nation doesn't have to think about dealing some of the club's fan favorites ahead of the deadline.
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