The 2020 Boston Red Sox are on pace to win roughly 18-ish games this season. In a normal season, that would equate to a historically bad 50-112 record two years after having 108 wins and becoming World Series champs. There is no doubt that this years team wont make the playoffs due to a horrid pitching staff and below average coaching. So, let’s take a look at the current roster and who we can be looking at being shipped off to start a rebuild here in Boston.
Over the weekend, we saw the first dominoes fall in the rebuild when Boston shipped Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree and a sack of cash to Philadelphia for two pitchers. There are 28 active players on the roster and only 5 that, in my opinion, are untouchables in Xander Bogaerts, Michael Chavis, Rafael Devers, Darwinzon Hernandez and Alex Verdugo. Of the remaining 23 players on the active roster, only 7 have any value at all to becoming pieces worthy of saving this organization.
First, we have the beloved Jackie Bradley Jr. JBJ is a fun guy to watch roam around any Center Field in the majors but there is a reason why he is a constant member of the number 9 spot in the lineup: he can’t hit. I think the Washington Nationals would be a great fit for JBJ. It’s close to his hometown and he always plays well in the Washington/Baltimore area. Plus, the Nats might be interested in upgrading their defense in center. Jackie’s contract ends after this year so I don’t expect much of a return, but something is better than nothing at this point.
Following JBJ to Washington might be J.D. Martinez. Washington is looking to be the first back to back World Series winner this century and adding Martinez’s big bat into the middle of their lineup might be just the thing to help them do that and push them past Philly. J.D’s contract is also up at the end of the year with a player option so there might be some decent return coming to the Sox if and when he is sent away.
There is a surprising team playing out in the American League West that could use a stud in the middle of their lineup in the Oakland Athletics. Oakland is poised to make some noise in the playoffs this year and could solidify their chances by trading for Mitch Moreland. Mitch would be a great fit in how the A’s play and with his contract being up at the end of the year, would be a great chance for him to show off his value and earn a healthy final contract of his career.
Lastly, we have the pieces of Matt Barnes, Nathan Eovaldi, Kevin Pillar and Christian Vázquez. These 4 make up any remaining value left on this roster that may get moved before the trading deadline. Either Barnes or Eovaldi would be good fits for the Chicago Cubs. Kevin Pillar is a super utility player with a great bat and would fit in with any team. Vázquez has shown he continues to blossom as an everyday player, a general behind the plate and a bat to backup his defense.
This trade deadline will be different than most years while we watch the BoSox be settlers rather than buyers. I just hope management has an actual plan so we don’t have to watch a season like this again.
Written by: DJ Parker