The Boston Red Sox still have a window to change the trajectory of their season, but they are running out of chances.
Boston enters Fourth of July weekend with a 43-45 record, opening a three-game series against the Washington Nationals with plenty to prove. Sloppy defense, baserunning mistakes, and bullpen struggles have kept them from gaining traction in the American League playoff race.
But there is still hope, if the players give the front office a reason to act.
Team president Sam Kennedy told The Greg Hill Show on Thursday that Red Sox ownership has given the green light for midseason moves, with one clear condition.
“Absolutely,” Kennedy said, when asked if the club can make significant additions. “We have the ability to do that in terms of, you know, a blessing from ownership, and fulfilling our goal of becoming a postseason team.”
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But Kennedy emphasized that the Red Sox must improve on the field first.
“When we are playing sloppy defensively, when we are not running the bases as well, when the bullpen is struggling, it is really hard to keep up in the American League East,” he said. “We need to start playing better baseball, get back to .500, and start winning series.”
As for ownership’s willingness to spend?
“Absolutely. Full-stop.”
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The message was clear: if the players deliver, the front office will follow.
Among the team’s rumored targets are Baltimore Orioles slugger Ryan O’Hearn (.294, 11 home runs, 30 RBI), Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (.239, 12 home runs, 41 RBI), and Arizona Diamondbacks standout Josh Naylor (.303, 10 home runs, 54 RBI).
On the pitching side, Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara (4-8, 6.98 ERA), Baltimore Orioles starter Zack Eflin (6-5, 5.95 ERA), and Cincinnati Reds swingman Nick Martinez (6-8, 4.20 ERA) have been linked to Boston in trade speculation.
With the July 31 deadline looming, Kennedy’s message is simple: the Red Sox have the resources to buy — but only if the on-field results warrant it.
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