By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
After an eventful trade deadline around MLB, the Boston Red Sox are finished seeking outside help for the roster. By trading for LHP Steven Matz and RHP Dustin May, the team now has additional flexibility for both the rotation and the bullpen. However, with such a high volume of moves expected by the fanbase, the front office and ownership have been subject to some criticism.
The team, although showing promise at the plate, on the mound, and in the field, could still use a few more threats to keep up with bigger competition. From the pitching staff on down, there are certain dynamics at play following this specific deadline action from the Red Sox.
Starting with the pitching for the second half of the season, the addition of one and potentially a second reliever should help balance the usage of arms. Matz, holding a 3.44 ERA, should help by delivering impact in a short‑inning role while also stepping in for long outings when the bullpen needs rest.
Although May was starting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Red Sox are the type of team to contemplate using him to strengthen their bullpen for bigger games. He will be in the rotation to start, but do not rule out the possibility of him helping to forge what the Red Sox believe could be a great set of arms in the bullpen. That being said, this was clearly an unconventional route for a team trying to solidify its rotation and possibly its reliever pool, leaving the rotation after Crochet as a carousel.
For the offensive attack in the second half, it will be more of the same. With a lineup in the first game after the deadline featuring IF Abraham Toro as its cleanup hitter, the Red Sox clearly have to continue rolling with a pesky‑style approach.
Although the top of the lineup has Roman Anthony and Alex Bregman setting the tone, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the order holds up, especially against superior pitching. The Red Sox front office has to be thinking that IF Kristian Campbell will make it back to the major league club to be the right‑handed additional bat at first base that they need.
Tied into that, the organization seems to believe that any additional hitting needed can potentially be supplied by prospects like Jhostynxon Garcia.
For the fielding down the stretch, it is hard not to see Campbell moving back up to the big leagues to allow Ceddanne Rafaela to return to center field. Although Campbell may be the option at first base long term, it ultimately comes down to where the Red Sox want to give and take defensive range.
Jarren Duran, now playing center field, is most ideally suited for a corner outfield position, so that will be something to monitor. Otherwise, the Red Sox defense should be highly capable on the left side of the infield and agile from left to right in the outfield.
Overall, the Red Sox aim to move forward with internal reinforcements while continuing to mix and match. In a new age where the Red Sox have a more plentiful farm system, Craig Breslow and ownership appear comfortable leaning into it rather than acquiring currently proven talent.
It is an interesting spot to be in, as the team has claimed to have an all‑in attitude toward trades while also being enticed by the rare youth it possesses. This situation, down the stretch of a second‑half run and hopefully into the postseason, will serve as another study as to how a big‑market team should approach things, despite recent trends from those below them.
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