Time For A Red Sox Roster Reconstruction
With, the trade deadline Tuesday it’s time for a Red Sox roster reconstruction. After 102 games and in dead last in the AL East, the Sox are virtually out of the playoffs, Beginning with the pitching staff starters Nathan Eovaldi, Rich Hill, and Michael Wacha, all went down with injuries. Positional Players Rafael Devers, and JD Martinez also suffered serious injuries. In this post, we will discuss three areas in which the organization needs to address at the trade deadline.
Upgrade The Catching Department
Starting catcher Christian Vazquez is having a career year. He is holding a 280/324OBP/754OPS/ line. Not to mention 19 doubles. His counterpart Kevin Plawecki is less productive. He has a dismal 187/3114OBP/655OPS. With run production, a serious issue Plawecki may be on the move.
Vazquez has been the centerpiece of trade talks as of late. One team showing interest is the Mets. They need a full -time catcher and a proven bat such as Martinez. The Mets would be the perfect trading partner for Boston with its rich young prospect depth.
Proven Starting Pitcher
Every team is looking for a starting pitcher. Two names to keep an eye on are Noah Sydaguard and Zack Grienke. Syndergaard is 37 and still effective. In 15 games this year, he is 5-8 with a 3.83 ERA. Not too shabby for an underperforming Angels club.
Zack Greinke of the Royals is another player on the radar. At 38 years old, he is 3-6 with a 4.35 for a lowly Royals club. Either pitcher would be inexpensive and still dependable. Searching for a younger starter would be costly, something the Red Sox would hesitate on.
Help At The Corners
The Red Sox outfield has been a mess this year. Jackie Bradley has spent most of 2022 in right field. kike Hernandez, the team’s full -time center fielder went down early in the season. Since the injury Jarren Duran has taken over in his absence. Lack of power from both Bradley and Duran has been a problem. A change in the outfield would be beneficial to the everyday lineup.
Conclusion
Despite the injuries, In terms of talent. the year 2022 has been disappointing. Chaim Bloom had a poor offseason acquiring very little in terms of talent. Designated hitter JD Martinez is the subject of trade talk. Long -time catcher Christian Vazquez is also on the block. With the team in last place, they need to get back to fundamentals. Making a deal or two will not bring back this club to the level it needs to be at. Free agent Trevor Story has been a huge disappointment.
