Red Sox trade candidates: Players who could be moved before deadline
As one of the very few bright spots on the 2020 Red Sox, Moreland has set himself up to be a prime trade candidate before Monday's deadline. The veteran first baseman is hitting .350 with eight home runs and 21 RBI in 72 plate appearances.
Moreland's contract also is up at the end of the season. So unless the Red Sox see him as a vital piece of the 2021 roster, his days in Boston probably are numbered.
Like Moreland, Pillar is on a one-year contract and has been an asset to the Red Sox this season. As a veteran presence and one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, it's hard to believe Boston won't receive calls on the 31-year-old.
It would be a bummer for Sox fans, as Pillar has put it all on the line for his new team despite their lackluster record.
It seems each season rumors swirl about a potential Jackie Bradley Jr. trade, but the chances of a deal seem even higher this time around with the Red Sox expected to be extremely active. Although JBJ once again is struggling at the plate, he does have an ALCS MVP under his belt and his defense speaks for itself.
Boston may just have to pitch in some money to make the trade happen, as Bradley is owed $11 million.
Benintendi seems to be more of a longshot to be traded than fellow outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kevin Pillar. That's because his value has never been lower. The 26-year-old struggled mightily at the plate (.103 batting average) prior to going on the injured list with a strained right rib cage.
Of course, Benintendi still has plenty of time to break out and become the player Red Sox fans have long expected him to be, so a team may be willing to pay up for the 2018 World Series champion.
Martinez's situation is a tricky one. On one hand, this season's universal DH would allow any American League or National League team to benefit from adding the slugger to their lineup. On the other, Martinez's opt-out clause could scare some teams off.
Either way, it appears likely the Red Sox will at least try to shop Martinez at the deadline. MLB insider Jon Heyman recently gave a Martinez trade a 25 percent chance of happening.
Christian Vazquez's name already is being discussed in trade talks as the Red Sox reportedly have had conversations about a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Our John Tomase also has mentioned a potential fit with the San Diego Padres.
The 30-year-old catcher's value likely won't get any higher than it is right now, so shopping him for prospects makes sense if the team is looking to bolster the farm system. He is, however, under contract for another two years ($6.25 million in 2021 and $7 million option in 2022).
Another name that has already been brought up in trade rumors, Matt Barnes is one of the more likely players to be dealt before Monday. Even though he has struggled through the 2020 campaign with a 6.00 ERA, the veteran right-hander could be an asset to one of the many contending clubs in need of bullpen help.
The Houston Astros reportedly have recently inquired about Barnes.
After scuffling to begin the season, Brasier appears to have recently returned to 2018 form. That could attract some potential buyers before the deadline, and the Red Sox would be remiss not to listen if they can get a solid prospect in return.
With the Red Sox putting a miserable overall product on the field this season, Phillips Valdez's outstanding performance has gone way too far under the radar. The righty has a dazzling 0.98 ERA through 12 appearances and is a free agent at the end of the season.
Josh Osich and Austin Brice are two more lesser-known relievers who could be moved to a contender.
Perez has outperformed expectations with a 3.45 ERA through six starts this season. That could make him a valuable trade chip, but the southpaw does have a $6.25 million club option for next year. If Boston has high hopes for 2021, they could look to keep Perez as a back-end rotation piece.
This is not a name Red Sox fans wanted to see on this list. Don't worry, though. It isn't likely Boston will part ways with its homegrown star shortstop.
The reason we're putting Bogaerts here is that Bloom has made it abundantly clear no player is "untouchable" in trade talks this season. Plus, MLB insider Jon Heyman raised some eyebrows when he said there's a 20 percent chance the two-time World Series champ gets dealt.
Do we expect Bogaerts to be traded? No. But we have to remind Sox fans to be prepared for anything in what's been a bleak and unpredictable 2020.
