Red Sox: 3 last-minute trades to become World Series contenders

The current iteration of the Boston Red Sox likely won’t compete in the Fall Classic. Yet, if they make the right trade deadline moves, they could get there.

The Red Sox kicked off the second half of the season with a bang, cementing themselves in the AL Wild Card race with an impressive winning streak. Boston, which were leaning towards selling at the trade deadline, now could do the opposite.

While Adam Duvall remains likely to be traded, Justin Turner and Alex Verdugo aren’t going anywhere. Boston has a high asking price for James Paxton, as the starting pitching market has exceeded their wildest dreams.

However, these are relatively small decisions. If the Sox really want to compete for a postseason spot and make a run, they should swing big.

Red Sox should trade for David Bednar

Boston hasn’t been floated as a possible David Bednar destination of yet, but it’s clear the Red Sox are lacking a force in the back end of their bullpen. Bednar would cost an arm and a leg, but Bloom has the prospects to make such a trade happen. Perhaps the Pirates would even be willing to add in Rich Hill for the right return.

Bednar is under contract through the 2025 season, so the Sox would have their closer in tow for at least the next 2.5 years, if not more. That’s worth going all-in for.

As Scott Neville of Sports Illustrated pointed out, a Boston deal for Bednar would significantly alter their competitive timeline:

“Admittedly, Bednar certainly will go for a higher asking price than the Red Sox would ideally be seeking but Bednar could be a lockdown reliever in Boston for years to come, possibly the next decade.

The odds of Bednar actually being dealt with three more full seasons of team control are unlikely, and the odds of Boston being seriously involved are even lower but he would alter the franchise’s outlook for this season and beyond.”

if this is truly the case, then what’s the point of waiting?