Jeff Passan ( ESPN ) on what the Sox should do at the trade deadline.
from espn.com:
Objective: Ensure that this team really is as mediocre as it looks.
Best player potentially available: Aroldis Chapman, RP
What to know: The Red Sox want to believe they can claw their way back into contention, and in the AL, anything is possible. But the hole they've dug themselves, combined with the lack of high-end relief pitching available at the deadline, puts Boston in the driver's seat to control that segment of the trade market. And seeing what contending teams are willing to pay for top-end relief arms, Chapman could generate an excellent return for a free-agent-to-be, and Garrett Whitlock could be among the best right-handed options should he return healthy from a knee injury.
The Red Sox do have plenty of players with expiring contracts: utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa, veteran left-hander Danny Coulombe and Patrick Sandoval, who's expected back soon after sitting out the past two years following internal brace surgery. Boston could consider moving right-hander Sonny Gray, though teams will balk at the cost (more than $10 million in salary, plus a $5 million buyout on an option). It's less prohibitive but still true for first baseman Willson Contreras, who could be a popular target considering the dearth of impact bats and has a full no-trade clause. And while teams will continue to ask about outfielder Jarren Duran, the difference between how Boston and potential suitors value him remains steep.
Full story:
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id...-skubal-tigers-dodgers-yankees-brewers-braves
