The Boston Red Sox are looking for an upgrade at the trade deadline in the form of an arm. The team is being linked to several pitching trades as they sit at the bottom of the American League East standings. With several teams preparing to be sellers at the deadline, the Red Sox are aiming to take advantage of it, but it is unclear exactly how big they are looking to go.
According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox could be in the market for the reunion with Jonathan Papelbon. The closer has made it crystal clear that he wants out of Philadelphia and is seeking a trade from the Phillies before July 31. Papelbon reportedly still loves Boston and would be open to the idea of returning as the feeling spears to be mutual.
Jason Mastrodonato of the Herald is reporting that grabbing a better closer would help take the pressure off Koji Uehara who has struggled recently. Papelbon has a manageable contract being owed $13 million this year with an option of $13 million next season. The Red Sox will not take on a monster contract which leaves them out of the running for someone like Craig Kimbrel. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Padres are looking to dump Kimbrel's contract in order for pay roll flexibility, but they will be hard-pressed to find any takers. Someone like Aroldis Chapman could be an option as well.
MassLive.com is reporting the Red Sox are still looking to get another elite arm on the roster to help make a push for the postseason. The Red Sox are in a situation where they essentially have to win two of three games for the rest of the season if they stand a chance at turning this year around. Adding Cole Hamels, James Shields or Johnny Cueto would certainly help the effort. The Red Sox pitching rotation would certainly be much better than before if the teams adds another arm and a closer, but the team is still a long shot at this point.
The Red Sox are dealing with Dustin Pedroia still being unhealthy. The team has not gotten the production they have wanted from Rick Porcello or Joe Kelly. Adding will help ease the issues but might not fix the overall problem. If Boston is willing to give it everything they have then the team will be extremely active over the next week.
