As MLB’s July 30 trade deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over whether the Boston Red Sox will opt to be active buyers. In recent seasons, the Red Sox front office has remained inactive during the trade deadline, contributing to their absence from the postseason in four of the last five years.
The team’s recent strong performance, winning 10 of their last 13 games as of June 27, has positioned them in the third wild-card spot in the American League. This success has spurred hopes among fans that the Red Sox front office will take decisive action before the deadline.
Craig Breslow, the Red Sox chief baseball officer and key decision-maker on roster moves, may choose to bolster the team’s lineup. ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggests that Boston might set its sights high, identifying Mets first baseman Pete Alonso as an ideal addition. Passan argues that Alonso’s formidable power could significantly enhance the Red Sox lineup as they push towards postseason contention.
While the Red Sox anticipate the return of first baseman Triston Casas in early July, their designated hitter position has seen subpar performance with a weighted on-base average below .300. This gap, compounded by the underperformance of Masataka Yoshida despite his contract size, underscores the potential value of acquiring a player like Alonso.
For the New York Mets, Alonso’s pending free agency and his impactful role in their recent resurgence pose a dilemma. With the Mets winning 15 of their last 19 games to reach a .500 record as of June 27, they find themselves firmly in the National League playoff race. Owner Steve Cohen faces tough decisions regarding whether to retain Alonso for a postseason push, leverage his trade value to address other team needs, or replenish the farm system.
Alonso’s strong offensive contributions in the 2024 MLB season, including 16 home runs and a .466 slugging percentage through 77 games, highlight his appeal to teams seeking offensive firepower. Beyond the Red Sox, other contenders like the Astros, Guardians, Mariners, Twins, and their rivals, the Yankees, could also vie for Alonso’s services if he becomes available.
As the trade deadline nears, the Red Sox must weigh their options carefully, especially with Casas’ imminent return. Acquiring Alonso could signal a proactive move towards solidifying their postseason aspirations and adding depth to their lineup, potentially transforming their playoff prospects in the competitive AL landscape.
