The Boston Red Sox have given chief baseball officer Craig Breslow much to ponder with the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline looming.
Less than a month ago, they were obvious sellers as the worst team in the American League. They then proceeded to win 14 of 16 games, including nine straight heading into the All-Star break, putting themselves back into the playoff conversation.
Boston will begin the second half just a half-game back of the third AL Wild Card spot. While its 46-48 record doesn’t scream “contender,” the AL is wide open. Only the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Texas Rangers are above .500.
Upcoming series against the Rays, Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays will likely determine Breslow’s deadline approach. If the Red Sox pick up where they left off and stay hot, Breslow will be urged to invest in this year’s team for a postseason run.
If Boston does indeed buy, here are five potential trade targets who would fit the club’s needs:
Zach Neto, SS, Los Angeles Angels
AP Photo
AP Photo Zach Neto is under team control through the 2029 season.
Undoubtedly the priciest and least realistic trade target on our list, Neto would check several boxes for Boston. Right-handed power? Check. Middle-infield help? Check. Multiple years of control? Check.
The Red Sox reportedly “took several tries” to trade for Neto during the offseason. L.A.’s asking price was understandably high, but there’s a chance it has come down with the club owning the worst record in baseball (38-59). The 25-year-old shortstop is by far the Angels’ most valuable trade chip, and with the organization still not making any progress toward contention, it might be time to cash in.
Neto is slashing .235/.326/.453 with 19 homers and 45 RBI in 94 games this season. He posted WARs of 5.1 and 5.3 in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Gleyber Torres, 2B, Detroit Tigers
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Gleyber Torres is expected to return from the injured list shortly after the All-Star break.
Torres hasn’t played since June 15 due to an oblique strain, but the veteran second baseman is set to return from the injured list shortly after the break. He began his rehab assignment on Monday.
While he wouldn’t be the franchise-altering addition that Neto would be, Torres could still help the Red Sox make a run in the second half. The three-time All-Star would fit in nicely as a power-hitting middle infielder. He has hit at least 24 homers in a season four times in his nine-year career, including a 38-homer campaign in 2019. He had a .790 OPS in 43 games this season before his injury.
Torres’ contract expires at the end of this season, so he should be reasonably affordable as a rental coming off injury for a struggling Tigers club.
Luis Arraez, 2B, San Francisco Giants
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Luis Arraez has made huge strides defensively at second base this season.
Arraez has been among the few bright spots for the 41-55 Giants. The four-time All-Star and three-time batting champion has continued as arguably the best contact hitter in baseball after leading MLB in hits the last two seasons.
In addition to his usual success at the plate, Arraez has taken a huge step forward defensively this season at second base. Once considered a terrible defender, the 29-year-old suddenly ranks near the top of the league in Outs Above Average (10) and Defensive Runs Saved (8).
While Arraez wouldn’t be the slugger that most Sox fans covet, he’d still bring a significant boost to Boston’s lackluster offense. He hardly strikes out, consistently gets on base, and comes through with runners in scoring position (.345 avg. with RISP this season).
Like Torres, Arraez is set to hit free agency after this season.
A.J. Minter, RP, New York Mets
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images A.J. Minter has been a bright spot out of the bullpen for the lowly Mets.
The Mets have been a dumpster fire this season, but Minter has been lights out in his 19 relief appearances. The 32-year-old southpaw owns a 1.42 ERA and 0.842 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and just one walk this season.
Contenders can never have enough bullpen help down the stretch, and the Red Sox could use a left-handed reliever after designating offseason addition Danny Coulombe for assignment. Minter would be a rental.
Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Ryan Jeffers would give Boston right-handed pop at the catcher position.
The Twins are only three games back in the AL Central and currently tied for the third Wild Card spot, so it remains to be seen whether they’ll sell off pieces ahead of the deadline. If they do, Jeffers would fit in nicely with Boston as a power-hitting catcher who can also DH when needed.
Carlos Narvaez has taken a significant step back after impressing as a Red Sox rookie last season. Connor Wong has bounced back, but his ceiling is limited. Jeffers would be a strong upgrade over both options, though he’s a free agent after this season.
A broken left hamate has limited Jeffers to 39 games this season. He has looked great when healthy, slashing .292/.404/.538 with seven homers and 29 RBI.
